March 01, 2024
Leading Ratana identity Andre Mason dies
Te hahi Ratana has been shocked by the sudden death of leading church member Andre Mason early this morning in Whanganui after what’s being described as a medical incident.
Mr Mason, the husband of former Labour MP Soraya Peke-Mason, was 63.
A great-grandson of church founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana and son of former tumuaki Harerangi Meihana, he held a number of senior church roles as well as being a teacher of te reo Maori.
A section of the church wanted him to succeed his father as tumuaki rather than his cousin Manuao Tamou, and the schism was unresolved at the time of his death.
The whanau say Andre Mason will be at his home tonight before moving across to Ratana Pa tomorrow where he will lay until his nehu at 11am on Tuesday.
Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai I te rangatira