Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia, Co-leaders, Maori Party

Haere, e te taonga o te mate haere. E te Rangatira kei te rere nga mihi mōu i nga topito katoa o te motu; kei te heke te hupe, kei te maringi nga roimata, kinikini, haehae, aue taukuri e.

Ko koe tena kua wehe atu i te ao o mamae, kua huri koe ki tona karanga. Ko koe tena kua tae atu ki te paepae o makariri. Na reira moe mai i te moe o makariri i te po, takoto ake.

The Maori Party today shared with mourners throughout the land, the sad passing of veteran Maori actor and film-maker, Don Selwyn. Don will be laid to rest at Taumarunui Cemetery, tomorrow, Tuesday 17 April.

“The peoples of Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri gave birth to the incredible talent of one of this nation's most outstanding television and film producers and directors” said Dr Sharples.

“Don brought the world of Maori onto national and international screens through his distinctive acting roles in Mortimers Patch, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and Pukemana, and later through his expertise as a casting director on Once Were Warriors, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted and Crooked Earth, and producer and director of classics like Maui Potiki and Tohunga”.

“But what made the world really take notice, was his masterpiece, Te Tangata Whai Rawa o Weniti,” said Dr Sharples. The Maori Merchant of Venice was the first Maori language feature film with English sub-titles.

“Don was a source of huge inspiration to tangata whenua” said Dr Sharples. “His artistic talents, his outstanding legacy in Maori film, his masterful presence in drama and broadcasting provided the foundation for a thriving Maori arts community”.

“Don was someone who has invested so much in supporting the development and success of Maori and Pasifika people in film and television” said Mrs Turia. “Because of this work, we know his presence will be with us through film, theatre, television and drama for many years to come” said Mrs Turia.

“As Whanganui iwi, we owe much to Don in encouraging many of our people to take to the Big Screen” said Mrs Turia. “Many of our families got a chance to be involved in the film industry who may never have otherwise. He saw their potential, and created the opportunity for their talents to be realised”.

“Over twenty years ago, he established a training course to mentor Maori and Pasifika artists (He Taonga i Tawhiti), and indeed, his production company, He Taonga Films, was set up to nurture indigenous talent in film and theatre”. Don was a foundation member of the New Zealand Maori Theatre Trust.

“It is fitting that the Arts Foundation will be honouring Don’s legendary talents with an Icon award” said Mrs Turia.

“He inspired us, he moved us, he brought our stories to the screen, and he consistently gave life to the Maori voice, from Cannon's Creek School where he once taught to the national stage as a member of the Maori cast of Porgy and Bess led by the late Inia Te Wiata, and performing as a member of the New Zealand Opera Company's presentation of Don Giovanni and II Trovatore”.

“Our thoughts are with Shirley, his children, mokopuna and whanau as we farewell a great man” ended Mrs Turia. “Ma Te Atua koe e Manaaki i to haerenga ki tua o te arai”.

ENDS

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