Raised by her dad REWA'S MAGICAL CHILDHOOD

The Hui presenter shares the remarkable story of her father who lost his legs but raised his family solo

- Kasia Jillings

As a child, Rewa Harriman didn't realise how extraordinary it was when her dad Ruka Hudson became a full-time solo father of five.

She was used to the Vietnam veteran's practical approach, tackling life and parenting with the same discipline and dedication, which saw him excel as a soldier and embrace life to the fullest after losing both of his legs to a war injury.

But since his passing in July this year, the producer and reporter for award-winning current affairs show The Hui, finds herself reflecting on just how amazing he was and how proud he'd be of the life she's living.

"At the time when my parents broke up, when I was seven and he kept all of us kids, I didn't think anything of it. He was always fully involved in our family life, so it was my normal," shares Rewa, 42.

"Even with Dad having no legs, he just did everything and we didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary. But as I grew older, I saw how exceptional he was."

At 27 years old, after 10 weeks in Vietnam, Ruka stood on a landmine, eventually needing both legs amputated to prevent gangrene. Following the life-changing injury, he became a respected painter and engraver.

He was deeply passionate about his children and whānau, and found great joy in reclaiming his native language and culture, learning to whatu kakahu, the time-honoured Māori craft of weaving cloaks.