February 27, 2024
Ngāi Tahu pou Charlie Crofts dies
Ngāi Tahu Claim negotiator and the first kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Charlie Crofts, has died aged 80.
Mr Crofts, from Ngāti Huikai, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Ngāti Waewae called both Koukourarata-Port Levy and Tuahiwi home.
He learned of the Ngai Tahu Claim growing up through his grandfather William Barrett, who was heavily involved in tribal matters.
After studying at Hato Pāora, he joined the New Zealand Army where he served for 20 years.
He then worked as a taxi driver while also becoming involved with Koukourarata Rūnanga, along with a cohort of younger tribal members.
After the settlement, Mr Crofts had many roles at both rūnaka and iwi level, as well as with the New Zealand Conservation Authority, the Canterbury Water Management Committee, Lyttelton Port Company, Canterbury Museum, and as a kaumātua for Christchurch City Council.
He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori in 2016.
Charles Stuart Te Manemoeroa Crofts was taken today to his beloved Koukourarata for the tangi.