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South Auckland Maori Wardens are paying tribute to Gordon Wright, who is retiring after contributing 35 years to the kaupapa.
Colleague Thomas Henry says he has made a major contribution not just to the community in the south but also nationally.
He has trained more than 300 other wardens around the country, worked closely with police on 13 homicide investigations, and set up foundation training with the police.
He was also national event coordinator for the warden’s contribution to the Christchurch earthquake recovery.
"Any major event, Waitangi festival, ASB Polyfest, Gordon has always been there. He's been everyone's papa so very hard for us but we have got to move on. This year he decided he would go on the district Maori Council and support that kaupapa," Mr Henry says.
Several other organisations are planning events to celebrate Gordon Wright’s service.
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