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January 25, 2016
Andy Sarich a champion of Te Reo o Te Taitokerau
Waatea Team
Posted On January 25, 2016
Ngapuhi is mourning the death of a kaumatua who strove for the retention of the Maori language in the north.
Andy Sarich is lying in state at Tauwhara Marae in Waimate North.
The efforts of Mr Sarich and his late wife Kath were acknowledged in 2004 when they were presented Te Tohu aroha mo Ngoingoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi by maori arts organisation Te Waka Toi for strengthening Te Reo Rangatira.
Ngapuhi scholar and Tuhoronuku chair Hone Sadler says Mr Sarich founded Te Reo o Te Taitokerau to coordinate language revivial efforts, and he was a much respected mentor.
The retired farmer had a life long commitment to education, supporting Kath's teaching career and working as an advisor to the Ministry of Education.
He says involved in a range of community activities in the north and represented his people on marae committees, district and regional councils, and service on the Lotteries Commission.
Mr Sadler says Mr Sarich was a fine man who brought a lot of wisdom as a kaumatua, who if he had anything to day would say it straight up.
Andy Sarich's funeral service starts at 11 today
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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