Poroporoaki
11 February 2013
Maori Party pays respect to community police officer Sergeant Patrick (Paddy) Whiu

Kowheta ana te waero o te ika, ngaoko ana ngā wai o Te Tai Tokerau, iri te rau kawakawa ki whare aitua, pouri ana te whare tapu o Ngapuhi, he aitua, he aitua, he aitua.

The Maori Party pays their respects to Sergeant Patrick Whiu (Ngapuhi, Ngati Tuera & Ngati Hinearo o Whanganui), who passed away yesterday with his family by his side.

“We would like to acknowledge Sergeant Whiu for his dedication and commitment in serving 41 years with the New Zealand Police,” said Maori Party Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples.

“He was a legend. He had a heart for the community and could operate at both a local and a national level. He truly was a people’s man, and a people’s cop.

“I recall his outstanding work during the foreshore and seabed hikoi in 2004. He ensured that people were kept safe, and that the hikoi was well organised. He was an outstanding man, well known, and well loved.

“He helped train Maori wardens in conflict management and negotiation at the Porirua Police College and worked with his people in the north to help keep young men out of prison and find new direction in their lives. He will be known for his calming influence and his ability to work with all levels of the community,” said Maori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia.

“How fitting that during his last days he received the Silver Merit Award by the Police Commissioner in the presence of his family and the Commissioner’s Maori Advisory Board. A fitting tribute for a man who dedicated so much of his life to the community.

“Our aroha goes out to his whanau for this sad and sudden loss. Moe mai ra e te rangatira.”

ENDS

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