October 10, 2013
Tribal diplomat mourned
Te Uri o Hau and Ngati Whatua are mourning the death of Tapihana Shelford at the age of 49.
As well as being a tribal leader, Mr Shelford was also a pillar of the Ratana movement and an important link between Te iwi Morehu and the Labour Party.
Tame Te Rangi from the Ngati Whatua Runanga says he carried on the legacy of his great-grandfather Paraire Karaka Paikea and grandfather Tapihana Paraire Paikea, who both held the Northern Maori seat.
He was mentored by the late Te Reo Hura and Te Atairangikaahu, and was known for his diplomacy and the sound advice he offered politicians and morehu alike.
Mr Shelford's activities in recent years were curtailed by his diabetes, but he continuted to make significant contributions. especially in Te Uri o Hau's treaty claims.
"His direct role was Te Uri O Hau from the hearings through to negotiations and of course ultimately the settlement. He also played an important part as a representative for Te Uri O Hau particularly the Otamatea region on a Ngati Whatua Iwi level," says Mr Te Rangi.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has also paid a heart-felt tribute to Ratana leader Tapihana Shelford of Te Uri O Hau and Ngati Whatua, who died yesterday.
Mrs Turia says the man known by all as Dobbie was a personal friend and confidante whose family’s association with politics over many generations made him a valuable source of advice.
She says while he was loyal to his Labour roots, Mr Shelford was also a bridge builder who was prepared to talk across parties in the best interests of Maori people.
Tapihana Shelford is lying in state at Otamatea Marae
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