The passing of former Speaker of the House Adrian Paki Rurawhe has prompted an outpouring of aroha and reflection across Aotearoa, with tributes recognising a life deeply grounded in whānau, iwi, Rātana and public service.
Rurawhe represented Te Tai Hauāuru in Parliament from 2014 before later serving as a Labour list MP. In 2022 he became only the second Māori to serve as Speaker of the House.
His contribution stretched well beyond Parliament. Rurawhe was a rangatira of Ngāti Apa, had longstanding connections with the Rātana movement and brought decades of experience in Māori development and community leadership to public life.
Political leaders from across Parliament have acknowledged the respect Rurawhe commanded, remembering the calm and dignity he brought to the Speaker’s chair and his commitment to the people and communities he represented. Flags at Parliament are being flown at half-mast in his honour.
For many across te ao Māori, his passing is also a moment to remember a leader whose public life reflected the enduring importance of whānau, whakapapa, service and manaakitanga.
Moe mai rā e te rangatira, Adrian Paki Rurawhe.
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