‘Aunty’ Bea – A teacher, an author, a carer, a fundraiser, an entertainer, a humanitarian, and to all of us who were fortunate to have her touch our lives, a Taonga.

The death of ‘Aunty’ Bea Yates late last week is a huge loss to Rotorua, Maoridom, and all of Aotearoa – She will be greatly missed.

Many TIASA members will fondly remember ‘Aunty’ Bea strutting the stage at a TIASA Biennial Conference performing as her now famous alter ego, ‘Tina Tuna’.

A big beautiful voice accompanied by an equally large, wonderful and irresistible personality left our delegates in awe.

‘Aunty’ Bea – you are simply the best!