Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Whānau Announce the Passing of Bruce Stewart QSM


Whānau Announce the Passing of Bruce Stewart QSM

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Rangatira Bruce Stewart QSM (of Te Arawa and Tainui descent) passed away on Wednesday morning, aged 80. He was surrounded by his whānau at his Island Bay residence Tapu Te Ranga Marae. The whānau are both sad that he is no longer with us and relieved that he is now at peace.

We are grateful to those who have shown aroha and supported Matua Bruce on the last few weeks of his journey, including friends, members of the community, his Doctor, te rōpu Mahi-a-Rongoā Māori, medical staff and volunteers at Mary Potter Hospice. We also want to acknowledge the many people who have played a role throughout his life. And we welcome you all to join us in remembering and celebrating his life. He will be missed by his twelve children and a myriad of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visionary of Tapu Te Ranga Marae
Matua Bruce was an award-winning builder before he embarked on a journey to build Tapu Te Ranga Marae in 1974. He often quoted the Psalm, “without a vision the people will perish.” He built Tapu Te Ranga Marae from recycled material with just $25 and a dream. His mantra was, “he who builds the house is built by the house.” This is true for the many people who have helped to build whare and deliver social services at the Marae for the last 40 years. Manuhiri from right across the world have been touched by the openness and warmth of Tapu Te Ranga Marae, which he described as a living marae.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Kaitiaki of Papatūānuku
Matua Bruce believed we are all “kaitiaki” of the earth – that nobody owns the whenua, but that we are caretakers for future generations. He believed in living as Māori, self-sustainability, and keeping in touch with Papatūānuku (the Earth). Matua Bruce will also be remembered for his service to the community, particularly his work with gang members, the homeless and unemployed through a work cooperative, supported by central and local government.

Activist for Māori rights
Matua Bruce will be remembered for his service to arts and culture as a gospel and jazz singer, actor, literary author, and a playwright. He was appointed President of Ngā Puna Waihanga (Māori Writers and Artists Society) in 1982. His plays advocated for Māori rights during the Māori renaissance of the 1980’s. He was a passionate activist during a time when Māori were emerging in politics, culture and art.

Matua Bruce has said on numerous occasions "The Marae is my home…it is my place of work. The Marae is my kindergarten right through to my university…it is my Museum…my church…my Art Gallery. It is where I was born and where I will be buried."

Tangihanga Details
Matua Bruce will be lying-in-state at Tapu Te Ranga Marae, Island Bay from Thursday 30 June to Sunday 2 July, with a final tangihanga service this Sunday at 10:00am. Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects during the course of the tangihanga.

Nāku noa, nā

Gabriel Tupou
Stewart Family Spokesperson

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.