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The big man has fallen.
The Labour MP for Ikaroa Rawhiti, Parekura Horomia, died yesterday afternoon at his home near Tolaga Bay, surrounded by whānau.
He was 62.
Mr Horomia entered Parliament in 1999.
He started his working life as a labourer and a shearer, until involvement in work and community employment schemes on the East Coast during the 1980s led to a career with the Department of Labour.
He became Minister of Māori Affairs after Dover Samuels was forced to step aside, and retained the job for eight years, continuing as Labour’s Māori spokesperson in opposition.
He had affiliations to Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga ā Hauiti, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu.
Labour Leader David Shearer says the Labour whānau was heart-broken at the loss of a great Māori leader
He says Mr Horomia devoted his life to championing Māori aspiration and achievement, taking his grassroots knowledge through Prime Minister Helen Clark to leadership within the public sector.
Former says she relied on Mr Horomia for his knowledge of Māoridom and Māoritanga, as he was always a source of good advice and insights.
Labour President Moira Coatsworth says as the party’s Vice-President, Mr Horomia will leave a huge gap.
Colleague Shane Jones says his friend loved people and loved drawing them together.
He says Mr Horomia put a lot of effort into enterprises like establishing Māori Television, as well as reviving the Māori wardens and making sure the legacy of the 28th Māori Battalion was suitably recognised.
Mr Jones says the fact he was able to retain his seat in 2006 despite the fallout from the foreshore and seabed debate shows the regard in which he was held in his electorate.
Horomia family spokeswoman Mere Pohatu says he will arrive at Hauiti Marae, Tolaga Bay late Tuesday afternoon.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
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