A farewell to our friend – Rose Ikimau Armstrong

We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Rose Ikimau Armstrong. All our thoughts and aroha are with Rose’s whānau and the community she loved wholeheartedly. We were privileged to have spent time working alongside Rose over the years. Here are some words from our team who have been touched by time spent with Rose.

“When I met Rose she shared care for two moko and was kaitiaki for the extended whanau home. She was so hard to make an appointment time with as she was always attending hui or tangi. She told me the door was never locked and if someone was sleeping on the sofa in the morning she made them welcome and fed them for as long as they needed. ❤️

Rose was one of my first garden visits but was busy when I arrived so I sat in the sun with the children and chatted. When she came out she had plates laden with bacon n eggs for breakfast. I said “oh no. I’ve just eaten, don’t worry about me”, and she looked me squarely in the eyes and said firmly ‘Sit down, this is ‘whakawhanaungatanga’. And then smiled and said …’You will have breakfast with us.’ 😊

 A beautiful, beautiful lady who will be missed by many.” – Tricia Joe

“I first met Rose when I was a young community worker venturing into Riverside to help with waste reduction and community gardens. She was strong and powerful but caring at the same time. 

She always was late, mainly because she had a thousand other things to do for the community, and she always had plates of food. You could always count on Rose to be both of those things – late and with food. 

As my role grew in the community, so did my relationship with Rose. COVID was an especially stressful time, but you could always count on Rose to have a smile and positive attitude. Seeing her bringing the Panamasians into a legal entity with its own autonomy was such a privilege. 

Rose was a Toka Tū Moana. A strong hold for the community. She was the centre of a lot of work that grew and flourished with her care. She will be missed terribly for years to come. Rest in love my friend.” – Tara Moala 

“It was an honour to walk alongside you Rose, a Wahine Toa in every respect, you stood for what is right and fought to ensure your whānau, community and all those you met were connected in and supported. No matter the time and space your manaakitanga was ever strong always making sure we had full puku and full minds making plans for the community, the little and the big it all mattered to you. We will miss your awhi, your smile and your passion, but what a legacy you have left. Moe mai rā e hoa.“ – Jo Flavell