19 September 2006 Media Statement

Sir Hugh Kawharu

Prime Minister Helen Clark today extended her condolences and sympathies to the family of Sir Hugh Kawharu and the people of Ngati Whatua, on hearing of his death.

"It is hard to imagine life in Auckland without Sir Hugh," Helen Clark said.

"He has been a towering presence in our city for decades, as a senior kaumatua of Ngati Whatua and as an outstanding academic at the University of Auckland.

"Sir Hugh was made a Knight Bachelor in 1989 for services to the Maori people, and was awarded New Zealand's highest honour, the Order of New Zealand, in 2002 for his outstanding record of service as an academic and to Maori people.

"His contribution to numerous New Zealand and international agencies and committees has been extraordinary and he has received a string of other honours for his work.

"He will be sorely missed," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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