Nothing is Impossible
Rangi’s life changes one night when he tries to protect his mum from being beaten by her boyfriend. But she is badly injured and taken to hospital. Rangi goes to live with Nan and Koro, and during this time, he gets a homework project he thinks is impossible – about his mum and her work. He thinks he can’t do it because his mum doesn’t work. But Nan and Koro know differently and get out photographs, articles and trophies to show Rangi her achievements and abilities as an activist, volunteer, fundraiser and sports champion. When Rangi shows these to his mum and they talk about the stories, she is reminded about her capabilities and self-worth. Rangi is inspired, works hard on the project, and his presentation is a success.
Dr Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Tūhourangi) is Distinguished Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She is a leading indigenous studies scholar, educationalist and kaupapa Māori researcher and has given many addresses and written many publications in these areas. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for her services to Māori and education and received a Prime Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Education in 2017. She was awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Puawaitanga Award for Research Excellence in Te Ao Māori and Indigenous Knowledge in 2018, and she received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg Canada in the same year.
