Mayor mourns Rangatira

September 20, 2006

North Shore City Mayor George Wood is paying tribute to one of the community's most distinguished Maori leaders, Ngati Whatua Paramount Chief Sir Hugh Kawharu, who died yesterday [September 19].

"Sir Hugh was a true gentleman who performed an invaluable leadership role across the Auckland Isthmus," Mr Wood says. "He brought to fruition so many ideals that Maori aspired to achieve."

George Wood first met Sir Hugh when both men lived in Palmerston North in the early 1980s.

"I was privileged to work with him on many subsequent occasions and my respect for him grew over the years.

"His mana was unmatched. His legacy to the Tangata of Ngati Whatua and the Whenua of Tamaki Makaurau will endure.

"We're mourning a true Rangatira today," Mr Wood says.

ENDS

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