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Download AudioFormer Federation of Māori Authorities chair Paul Morgan says the late Waaka Vercoe was somebody who put a lot of effort into life, and got a lot out of it.
The Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe and Te Arawa kaumatua died on Wednesday in Whakatane aged 81.
Mr Morgan says he first met Mr Vercoe in 1985 when he was seconded by his then employer, Te Arawa Māori Trust Board, to work with Sir Hepi Te Heuheu on setting up the federation, becoming its first secretary.
As well as his background in economics, accounting and policy development, he was also steeped in tribal knowledge and was recognised as a fine orator.
Mr Morgan says he brought his wisdom and his wonderful Māori sense of humour to FOMA activities, and he was also a master of conversation.
He was a prolific reader and whilst he had a formal education, I believe because he was so well read and had such a diverse life and engagement with people through travel and his activities, he was a person you could have a wonderful conversation with about many matters in life,” he says.
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