Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi wish to express their thoughts, prayers and aroha of the passing of a great Ngāti Hine leader, Robin John Cooper CNZM.

“Robin’s tenacity, leadership and influence was both a catalyst and exemplar for the advancement of Māori health, social services and community development within Ngāti Hine and Aotearoa” Acting Rūnanga Board Chair Carol Dodd said.

“As the inaugural Chair of the Whānau Ora Governance Group in 2010, the Rūnanga was fortunate to work alongside Robin. His recognition as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit is testament to his leadership, charisma and service to his people. Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi and Te Ao Māori have lost another great leader. We extend our warmest condolences to his whānau and the people of Ngāti Hine at this time”.

Na reira e te kākākura e Robin, takoto tīraha ana te rau kawakawa ki te poho o Motatau, ki ngā pukepukerau o Ngāti Hine. He rārangi maunga, ka tū te ao, tū te pō. He rārangi tangata, ka ngaro rā, ka ngaro rā. E te Rangatira, moe mai rā.

Ends.