Media Release
20 September 2006

Death of Sir Hugh Kawharu a great loss

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis has extended his condolences on behalf of Manukau City Council to the family of the late Sir Hugh Kawharu and to Ngati Whatua.

Sir Barry says Sir Hugh was an outstanding leader of Maoridom and his death is a great loss.

“He achieved so much in his lifetime and had great mana. He was an accomplished kaumatua, academic, community leader and a man of great dignity and presence. His was always the voice of wisdom and of reason.”

Sir Hugh was Chairman of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board for 26 years and also served on many other boards, committees and organisations, including the Waitangi Tribunal and the Arts Foundation of New Zealand.

Sir Barry says, “He contributed greatly to the development of a more positive relationship between Maori and pakeha in the Auckland region, and played a vital role in finding a resolution to the Bastion Point standoff. Prime Minister Helen Clark has rightly described him as a towering presence in Auckland for decades and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”

ENDS

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