To Whom It May Concern,

Glenda and Teepu successfully opened their shop NGA TAONGA O AOTEAROA in Laverton a few years ago and it is my utmost pleasure to provide a testimonial for them.

I have lived in Victoria for 21 years and have been involved with the Maori Community for the majority of that time; the lapse due to educational studies for my degree in Bachelor of Arts.

I am the Senior Vice President of Te Roopu Ataawhai Inc, Festival Coordinator for the Annual Maori Festival and the Bi-Annual Festival New Zealand, Treasurer of the Migrant Resource Centre, North West Region (oversee a financial liability of $1.62mil) among other things. My gongs are Citizen of the Year 2005 (City of Brimbank) and am a 2006 inductee of Life Membership to the Australian Defence Softball Association. For my day job I don a Training Instructor cap for the Department of Defence.

I believe I am more than qualified to offer an unbiased opinion about Glenda and Teepu and their business Nga Taonga o Aotearoa.

Their business is the first of its type to operate here in Victoria. There have been many stall-like operations but no shop specifically geared toward New Zealand

Art & Craft. Their vision and fortitude has been astounding and their reputation as hard working and honest people is totally without reproach.

They have been tireless in their support of the Maori, wider ethnic and the Polynesian communities. They do not question, in fact they prompt the opportunity to promote community projects through their website and hang posters or flyers at their shop.

Glenda and Teepu have worked solidly and enthusiastically with their business and continue to provide the best products and services to their customers.

They have decided that they have lived out their ‘life' here in Victoria and propose to return to their ‘own home' in Queensland mid 2007. It will be a sad day when that comes around.

I wish them both, my very best wishes for success and happiness.

Alicia MATENE (Mrs)

ST Albans VIC

Kia Ora,

I have known that “Nga Taonga O Aotearoa” had been operating in Melbourne for sometime. Everyone in Melbourne knows of the Laverton/Point Cook shop location.

Its was great to have a special store especially for Maori Taonga.

I came to know Glenda and Teepu better when Festival New Zealand was held at Federation Square on 03/09/05. Their support for this major event in Melbourne was of great value not only for the Maori Community but for the Wider Community as well. Their merchandise is magnificient and worth its price.

Glenda and Teepu are people with Mana and I am very privileged to have met them through friends and the many Community events we have attended.

Hence, I wish them all the best on their future ventures wherever they may be. I am sure it will be a success.

Arohanui

Christine Sevita

North Altona Vic