November 04, 2014
Thompson first to step up
Tainui kaumatua Eru Thompson is being remembered as a man who was always ready to step up for kaupapa Maori.
Mr Thompson, of Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngati Te Ata, Ngati Mahanga and Ngati Pukenga, died yesterday.
Family spokesperson Rewi Spraggon says over the years he dealt with many people through rugby league and other sports, kapa haka, in prisons and the community.
He helped form one of the first community groups responding to P or methamphetamine, and also worked to promote marae justice.
"He was right up in the action of opening things, blessing things, right till last night when he closed his eyes. He was also quite a national figure who will be missed by the motu. He put his foot forward for any kaupapa Maori here," Mr Spraggon says.
Eru Thompson’s body will be brought back to Tamaki Makaurau Marae in Ihumatao this afternoon, he will be laid to rest at Pukaki on Saturday.
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