May 15, 2014
Tohunga will be missed
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says two tohunga have fallen this week.
Te Atihaunaui a Paparangi are gathering at Kaiwhaiki on the Whanganui River for the tangi of choirmaster and composer Morvin Simon.
Meanwhile Kahungunu is burying health worker Paraire Huata, who developed innovative Maori care models through his work as a therapist, trainer and cultural consultant for South Island addiction treatment organisation Moana House.
Dr Sharples says both men made a huge contribution to Maoridom and were tohunga in their worlds.
" Paraire, for healing and he toured the world with this talent, this taonga and led many Maori groups here in New Zealand. Morvin Simon a giant among giants for composing choral items and bringing the best out of a group in an area, especially in the Whanganui area he will be really sadly missed " says Dr Pita Sharples
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