January 13, 2014
Ngati Awa kaumatua Henare Pryor dies
Ngati Awa and Ngati Rangitihi are mourning Henare Pryor, who died on Sunday night after a long illness.
He was 78.
Mr Pryor worked for the Department of Maori Affairs and Lands and Survey before he moved into Maori broadcasting as Manager for Ruia Mai.
He was highly regarded in the sector.
He came from a sporting family, with his brother Albie being a noted All Black.
Family lore is that he was sent off at a young age to be a jockey, but with his three older brothers no longer dominating the meal table he thrived and could no longer reach riding weight, although he continued to be an excellent horseman.
Mr Pryor took over as a trustee of the Maori Sports Awards after his brother Albie’s death.
He was also closely identified with tribal affairs in the eastern Bay of Plenty, and chaired the Rangitihi Marae and runanga for many years.
Henare Pryor is survived by his wife Carol and six of his seven children.
His body will be taken to Rangitihi Marae in Matata, and then to Tu Teao Marae in Te Teko.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, after which he will be laid to rest in the urupa next to his brothers Bully and Albie.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd