April 12, 2023
Rapihana remembered for generous heart and straight talk
The death of former Opotiki District Councillor Louis Rapihana at the age of 38 has been a shock to the iwi of the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Whakatane District Councillor Toni Boynton says as well as his contributions to local government and to Te Whānau a Apanui, he had recently been appointed to the philanthropic Bay Trust.
He was also known for his work supporting whānau to recover from methamphetamine addiction.
“He was so vibrant. He was absolutely gifted and talented but he also had such a generous heart and generous nature and he was generous with his opinion which is what we loved about him. He could tell you straight exactly what it was and you do need somebody who is forthright and speaks those hard things that sometimes people don’t want to talk about, Ms Boynton says.
She says it’s a reminder of the challenge for whanau to look after people in leadership roles.
Louis Rapihana was farewelled yesterday by his people of Te Whānau a Apanui.