February 09, 2015
Ngati Porou leader had ear of government
Tributes have been pouring in for Ngati Porou leader Apirana Mahuika, who passed away at the age of 80.
Labour leader Andrew Little says he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people through education and his drive for self-determination and self-reliance for Ngati Porou.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says it’s the end of a great era, as Dr Mahuikla was a man of strong faith, a tremendous advocate for his iwi and a man of vision who could inspire those around him.
Police commissioner Mike Bush says he was instrumental in strengthening the relationship between Maori and the police, and New Zealand Police has lost a truly honourable friend, mentor, and great leader.
New Zealand Maori Council co-chair Sir Taihakurei Durie says he had a long and unswerving record of service to Ngati Porou and Maori in general.
"He did have the ear of Government ministers and government departments. He was advantaged I think by the fact members of Ngati Porou are prominent as ministers, as politicians, and as advisors from the public service, so he pulled all that together, and that was a great help to Ngati Porou and Maori generally from his years of service," Sir Taihakurei says.
Apirana Mahuika will lie in state at Te Rahui Marae in Tikitiki until the funeral service on Thursday.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH SIR TAIHAKUREI DURIE CLICK ON THE LINK
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