Hamilton marks the passing of Whatumoana Paki Snr

Tangi hotuhotu ana te manawa mou kua wehe nei
Takoto mai te uri o Puhi
Takahia atu ra te ara o ngaa tuupuna
Ki te huinga o te Kahurangi
Moe mai ra I roto I te Ariki

TRANSLATION:
One’s heart is grieved exceedingly by your passing
Rest oh child of Puhi (Nga Puhi)
And walk the path of your ancestors
To the gathering place of nobility
There sleep in the arms of God

On behalf of Hamilton, it is with insurmountable sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Whatumoana Paki Snr.

Whatumoana is the husband of the late Maori Queen Te Atairangikaahu and father of Maaori King Tuheitia, grandfather and great grandfather to his many mokopuna. His contributions and support over the many years to the community of Waikato will be fondly remembered and treasured by those who met this humble and gentle man.

The New Zealand flag outside Hamilton City Council’s chamber is currently flying at half-mast in honour of Whatumoana Paki.

We offer our sincere condolences to the immediate and extended Kaahui Ariki for this momentous loss and also pay our respects to King Tuheitia and the people of Tainui and Nga Puhi who will mourn his passing with tribes and peoples of this nation over the coming days.

PAIMARIRE
Te Manu Kaahi – Mayor of Hamilton
Julie Hardaker
Mayor of Hamilton

ENDS

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