October 10, 2013
Tapihana Shelford link between morehu and Labour
A Ngati Whatua rangatira who provided a critical connection between Ratana and the Labour Party has died.
Tapihana Shelford was the great-grandson of Paraire Karaka Paikea and grandson of Tapihana Paraire Paikea, both of whom represented Northern Maori.
Mr Shelford initiated the Morehu Youth Movement and remained an advocate of rangatahi within Ratana.
He was a confident orator who understood the important relationships that connected Morehu to iwi throughout the country.
Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says Mr Shelford continued the work of his tupuna by forging alliances between Te Iwi Morehu and Labour by creating numerous opportunities to discuss the relevance of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
He was considered a diplomat and a gentleman by all who knew him, and provided valuable support and advice to former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Mr Shelford is lying in state at Otamatea Marae.
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