6 April 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monarchy New Zealand Patron Sir Peter Tapsell Passes Away


Monarchy New Zealand is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our Patron, The Honourable Sir Peter Tapsell.

Sir Peter, born and raised in Rotorua, entered Parliament as a Labour Party MP in the 1981 election following a career as an orthopaedic surgeon.

At various stages of his parliamentary career, Sir Peter served as Minister of Internal Affairs, Arts, Police, Civil Defence, Science, Forestry, and Defence. In 1993, Sir Peter was recommended by National Party Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, as Speaker of the House of Representatives – the first Maori to hold this role.

Since his retirement, Sir Peter has been actively involved in a number of organizations. He became the Patron of Monarchy New Zealand in 2000. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1997 by the University of Waikato. He was also one of the first inductees into the New Zealand Order of Merit, as a Knight Companion in 1996.

“New Zealand has lost an eminent public figure. One of the highlights of his career as speaker was hosting the Queen at Parliament in 1995, when she formally opened the Parliament Buildings,” said Dr Sean Palmer, Chair of Monarchy New Zealand. “Monarchy New Zealand valued his advice, support, and encouragement over the years. He will be missed.”

His tangi will be held on 7 April at Maketu Marae.

ENDS

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