March 31, 2014
Advocate for deaf dies aged 50
A leading advocate for deaf Maori has died.
Patrick Wikiriwhi Thompson of Ngati Paoa and Ngati Whangaunga has worked with the deaf Maori community for more than twenty years as an educator, social worker and advocate.
He died on Saturday aged 50.
Mr Thompson’s most recent role was as an educator associate for the Kelston Boys' High School Deaf Unit.
He was awarded the Queens Service Medal for services to Maori and the Deaf community in 2012
Tariana Turia, the Minister for Disability Issues, says she valued Mr Thompson’s expert advice and experience as kaiwhakahaere for Ngati Turi o Aotearoa.
He was also a key member of a number of organisations including Te Roopu Wairoa Trust and an expert advisory group working with government agencies on how to promote and maintain NZ Sign Language.
Patrick Thompson’s funeral service will be held at Wharekawa Marae on Wednesday morning followed by burial at the whanau urupa.
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