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Former Maori Affairs Minister Dr Koro Wetere has been recognised for his contribution to Maori development.
Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey presented the Pae Roa 2040 award during the week's conference in Albany about the Maori development since the 1984 Hui Taumata.
Mr Maharey says as minister for Maori affairs in the Third Labour Government Mr Wetere convened the 1984 Maori economic development summit in1984 and initiated the first decade of Maori development, ushering in a new era for te iwi Maori.
In a video link to the prresentation, former secretary for Maori Affairs Kara Puketapu said Mr Wetere was a man of the people who while in opposition worked closely with the department on Tu Tangata initiatives such as kohanga reo.
He then brought the people together to plan the next steps.
On behalf of Mr Wetere, his close relative and Ngati Maniapoto kuia Miria Tauariki received an artwork Mango Pae Whenua created by Massey Maori visual arts lecturer Ngatai Taiepa.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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