November 30, 2016
Dynamic young Maori leader a loss for all.
Dynamic leader Te Awanuiarangi Black will be missed.
A blow for the people of Ngati Pukenga and Tauranga Moana with the sudden dealth of Te Awanuiarangi Black at the age of 48.
The 48-year-old father of five died in Tauranga Hospital yesterday after a short illness, surrounded by whanau.
Mr Black was recently re-elected as the Mauao representative on the Bay of Plenty Regional council.
In his campaign statement he described his passion and focus as iwi, people and kaupapa Maori.
He chaired the Bay of Plenty Iwi Leaders, the Rena Iwi Disaster Response, and was a negotiator for Ngati Pukenga claims.
A widely respected speaker and scholar of te reo Maori, he was a contributor to the Maori language dictionary He Pataka Kupu and coordinated Maori medium teacher education at Te Wananga o Raukawa in Otaki.
While still in his 20s Mr Black started a kapa haka, Tutara Kauika, to revitalise te reo Maori within Tauranga Moana.
He served on Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori, Te Matatini and Toi Maori.
He also stood for the Maori Party candidate in Tauranga in 2011.
The tangi for Te Awanuiarangi Black is at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae in Tauranga.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com