February 16, 2024
Māoridom loses two mighty totara
St Stephen’s old boy Shane Jones says his former teacher Awi Riddell had a profound influence on the hundreds of boys he taught, both at Tiepne and at Te Aute College in Hawke’s Bay.
Te Aorere Riddell died yesterday at his home in Poit Chevalier, surrounded by whanau.
He was 87.
He is being taken today to Iritekura Marae in Waipiro Bay near East Cape, where his nehu will be held on Sunday.
Mr Jones says Mr Riddell was a strict disciplinarian who brought the best out of his pupils, including on the rugby field.
“For me personally and my generation at St Stephen’s School, he was probably the singular largest influence on us having a greater spected of respect and esteem for our language. Those of us who were comfortable in the language were led by him and motivated by him to develop,” he says.
Maoridom has also lost Anglican Bishop Muru Walters from Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa, who died yesterday aged 89.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Khyber Pass on Monday.
Mr Jones says Bishop Walters was a superb sportman whose rugby career was held back by the Rugby Union not inclding Maori players in tours to South Africa.
He was also a member of the group of Maori modernist artists who came through in the 1950, and taught art and teaching for many years before dedicating himself to the mission of the church.