January 24, 2022
He Aituā: Pounamu champion Maika Mason laid to rest
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has paid tribute to Ngāti Waewae rangatira Maika Mason, who died last Tuesday in Rotorua aged 84.
Kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai says Mr Mason was an important leader for Poutini Ngāi Tahu and for the West Coast region.
He was the long-time chairman of the Mawhera Incorporation which owns and manages the pounamu resource of the Arahura Valley.
He was the leading advocate and authority on Ngāi Tahu history, traditions and values associated with West Coast pounamu.
He is survived by his wife, Ngaire, their tamariki, mokopuna and great-mokopuna.
Maika Mason will buried today alongside his parents at the Hokitika Seaview Cemetery.