As told by Betty’s daughter and long-serving kaimahi, Teina Wilsmhurst.
Betty was a woman who lived with purpose, dedication, and a deep sense of service.
A mother of six, a community leader, and a nurturer by nature, she was someone who always saw where help was needed and never waited for someone else to offer it.
From her early days as one of the first Māori Wardens in the South, to her unwavering commitment to Ōraka Aparima Rūnanga, Betty was instrumental in shaping the spaces where her people could thrive. She played a key role in the establishment of the Marae at Colac Bay, assisting in transforming the old Colac Bay School into a place of gathering, belonging, and cultural strength.
She was a great contributor to her iwi, marae, whānau and the community. She worked tirelessly for Ōraka Aparima Rūnanga and was one of its founding members. Betty served as an alternate at the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu table and on the rūnanga executive committee for 10 years, during which she also held the office of Treasurer for a number of years.
She was staunch in her support of her rūnaka, a regular presence at meetings, often bringing her daughter Teina with her to listen, learn and contribute. She was deeply community-minded, serving on boards with the New Zealand Police and the Department of Corrections, always striving to create better outcomes for her people.
When the vision for Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu was born, Betty was there from the beginning. She believed in the vision and the dream and became one of the first board members. She recognised the health needs in her community and saw NKMP as an answer to those needs. Betty offered unwavering support; Encouraging, challenging, and backing the kaupapa with everything she had.
Betty served as a Trustee for a number of years and later as a valued member of the Kāhui Kaumātua. She brought with her a quiet strength, wisdom, and determination. As her daughter Teina recalls, “If she saw a need, she would go for it. She was gentle - but if you crossed her, the mother bear would come out!”
Whether she was chairing a board meeting, organising kai in the marae kitchen, or travelling across the motu to support whānau at kapa haka events, Betty gave her all. She and her close companion Aunty Jane Davis were inseparable in their support for iwi matters. They attended every Waitangi Tribunal hearing, every constitutional debate, and countless tribal gatherings. You could always find them in the front row, a steady presence in times of great change and growth.
Betty’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own whānau. She raised not just her mokopuna, but also helped care for and guide countless other tamariki in the community. Her high standards and quiet encouragement continue to shape those who walk in her footsteps. “Mum always said, if you’re going to do a job, do it right. Don’t do it half-assed,” says Teina with a smile.
Although she passed in 2018, Betty’s legacy continues to be felt at NKMP and throughout the wider Murihiku region. Her contributions were immense and her presence remains deeply woven into the foundations of Ngā Kete.
She was, and will always be, one of our great taonga.
Moe mai rā e te Rangatira Betty Rickus. Gone too soon – you are missed.
