November 21, 2014
Paul made mark on history
Former Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says the party’s former vice president Te Orohi Paul made her mark on history.
Mrs Paul died earlier this week while travelling to join the White Ribbon motorcycle ride against violence.
She made extensive contributions to Maori people health, social services and education, including her ground-breaking work in kaupapa driven alcohol and drug treatment.
Dr Sharples says she was a foundation member of the party’s Waiariki branch and made a major contribution to the party, including standing in three elections.
"She did make her mark in history as one of the first vice presidents of the Maori Party which will hopefully last forever and ever and ever. It is a sad occasion and people have gone from all over New Zealand, not just Maori Party people but others. So haere ra e te kohine. Haere ra ki o tipuna matua, i te mohio ko mau tonu koe i a matou ngakau … Koutou ki a koutou, haere, haere." he says.
Te Orohi Paul will be taken today from Taheke Marae near Rotorua to Uiraroa Marae in Te Teko, where her funeral service will be held on Sunday.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR PITA SHARPLES CLICK ON THE LINK
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