News Release
Monday 12 November 2012

Council flags at half mast for funerals of Te Arawa leader and former RDC director

ROTORUA 12.11.12: Flags on Rotorua District Council’s Civic Centre headquarters will be lowered to half mast on Wednesday and Thursday this week to acknowledge the funerals of two prominent Rotorua men.

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said the funeral for Te Arawa elder Rawiri Te Whare would be on Wednesday and that of the council’s former Environmental Services Director Nigel Wharton on Thursday.

Mr Winters said both men had left their mark on Rotorua over the years and both had a close involvement with the council.

"Rawiri’s skills in bringing Te Arawa’s Treaty Settlement to fruition and his role with Waiariki Institute of Technology would be part of an impressive legacy for which he will be long remembered. Rotorua has lost a genuine leader with his passing."

Mr Winters said he was also saddened at the passing of the council’s former Environmental Services Director Nigel Wharton on Saturday. Mr Wharton’s funeral would take place on Thursday.

“Nigel joined the council in 2002 and retired in 2010 after eight years’ dedicated service. During this time, as part of the council’s senior management team, he played a significant part in shaping Rotorua’s future development and establishing a range of successful policies and programmes that have served the council well for many years and which endure today. Council staff and elected members have been saddened at the passing of a popular former colleague and friend.

“Our lowering of flags on the days of these two funerals is a small gesture from the elected members, management staff of the council to acknowledge the passing of two highly respected people who have each in their own way contributed much to the growth and development of this district," said Mr Winters.

"Rotorua is a richer community for their dedicated and generous contributions."

ENDS

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