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In life, as in all things, there are no straight lines. We all come from diverse backgrounds and yet, as we come to the end, realisation sets in – “how will people remember me?” – do we remember the good bits but not the bad? Are we selective to save those who remain from grief, or do we paint a picture that is inclusive of all things?
I tend to go to the latter – because at the end of a life, hope always springs eternal through legacy – legacy is that one thing we all have but too often don’t comprehend well enough. So it is with one Wynyard Walter Anania, Wyn to many and Wyn Boss to many more.
I spoke to a fair few people when putting this together. Dale Husband talked to me about the huge number of people, artists and muso’s that he had “a deep and enduring impact on” and Dale would know given the close connection between them.
Broadcaster and former MP Claudettte Hauiti said, “a big man with a big heart”.
One well known Tamaki artist I reached out to wasn’t aware Wyn had passed away but, after a lengthy call from his home in Melbourne said “Without Wyn we would have been just another group of boys being passed over “. He told the story of being “discovered” by Wyn by playing a gig for an event; they didn’t get paid but nor did they seek the payment because, for them, it was the opportunity of a lifetime and boy did they take it.
Ok – Wyn was a founding member of the Head Hunters Motorcyle Club and yet he had a the biggest heart. Wyn and his partner of 45 years, Gloria, appeared to have a bond so strong, it didn’t matter what happened in life – it was unshakeable. Right to the end. As noted by a former member of the club “we knew not to overstep” – respect featured largely in the korero I had throughout the last 24 hours.
Te Whānau O Waipareira said “Our whānau will have his back and that of his whānau until the end – just as he has always had ours.” and he sure had ours saying recently “Bring your whānau, bring a blanket – and soak up the magic under the Matariki sky.” – Wynn wasn’t to know a month later time was up and yet there is magic underneath that Matariki sky. Those stars. Those magical stars.
There were the jobs created because of him, the small businesses that grew from his mahi – the network created as a result of casting about a little magic dust in a humble way.
“This man his ataahua wife Gloria Martin and whanau have been a part of mine and my whanau’s for decades amongst others. The best boss on events you could ask for. Ty for having me and trusting me on your team boss.” – it was whanau. “I awoke this morning to the incredibly sad news that one of New Zealand’s finest gentlemen and hardest working music promoters had passed away. I first met Wynn Boss (pictured here bottom left with myself, Steve Lamey and John Paul Jurkovic) back in the 80’s when he brought Gold Zeppelin over for a string of shows. I recall a member of The Rolling Clones (might have been you Mark Evans?) saying “Don’t worry, he may look intimidating, but he’s a real sweetheart and the tour is incredibly well organised!” said another
In the end it wasn’t hard to find people wanting to talk. Willie Jackson said “From Gang boss to Record Boss , as well as Community manager , Electorate secretary for Labour Mp John Tamihere , and mine and Jt’s main man for organising big Music concerts my former bro and partner in Waatea music and Hustle records story of redemption is one of Maoridoms great stories . The first President of the Head Hunters gang went from being one the country’s most feared men to one of the most loved characters in Urban Māori history. Wyn “Boss” will be remembered forever.”
And that’s the point of legacy. We get to write about people through the eyes and ears of how their mokopuna will remember them and moko’s, your koro, as Willie says, will be remembered “forever”. Chur Boss.
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