June 07, 2016
Sir Graham Latimer: An unprecedented leader
Former Northern Maori MP Dover Samuels says Sir Graham Latimer was a man whose history was the history of the country over his lifetime.
The long serving chair and more recently president of the New Zealand Maori Council died today at his home in Pamapuria aged 90.
Mr Samuels says Sir Graham won great battles on behalf of Maori despite huge odds.
He says his influence spanned political parties.
"I mean for us that's been very very close to him over the years in Te Tai Tokerau as a rangatira, as a ariki, as a kaumatua, I mean he's been all these things to the rangatahi, to the whole generation if you like, my generation and the generation before. He’s an unprecedented leader", says Mr Samuels.
Dover Samuels says while Sir Graham presented a humble exterior, beneath it was a will of steel determined to do the best for his family and all Maori.
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