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Wellington Council has opened a book of remembrance for cultural advisor Billie Tait-Jones who died suddenly this week.
Mrs Tait-Jones from Tuhoe and Te Arawa, had worked for the council for about 14 years guiding councillors and officials through te ao Maori and helping whanau Maori navigate the council’s processes.
Mayor Justin Lester says she was a woman of great mana who commanded great respect in the city and the motu.
"She was an expert in all things tikanga Maori. For me she was a trusted source of advice, she was always warm and compassionate, she cared about people, and I always knew when she put the palm of her hand on my back as we come forward and perform a karakia or a waiata, you always knew with Billie, you were in good stead," he says.
Mr Lester says Billie Tait-Jones has been a big part of council and will be missed.
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