POROPOROAKI : Sir Paul Reeves
Hon Tariana Turia and Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leaders
Sunday 14 August 2011

Sir Paul Reeves: From Parihaka to Nationhood
The Honourable and Right Reverend Sir Paul Reeves, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, CF, QSO; Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand (1980-1985); Governor-General of New Zealand (1985 to1990).

The Maori Party has spoken of the profound loss suffered today by Taranaki; and by Aotearoa as a whole, in the passing of the first Maori Governor-General of New Zealand, Ta Paora Reeves.

“Our first and last thoughts are with the whanau of Sir Paul – with Beverley, their three daughters and mokopuna; with the Puketapu hapu of Te Atiawa of Taranaki” said Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party and MP for Te Tai Hauauru.

“Sir Paul was so proud of his Taranaki whakapapa –particularly the legacy of passive resistance left by his tupuna, Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi of Parihaka and the way in which they led the world in the promotion of peaceful responses to conflict”.

“He remained tuturu Taranaki to the end – including roles as trustee on Puke Ariki; on Venture Taranaki; in significant roles with Te Ati Awa and the Wellington Tenths Trust and as Patron of Aotearoa NZ Peace and Conflict Studies Centre Trust Te Whare o Rongo”.

“Sir Paul always saw himself as a servant of the people.

He took up the mantle of the clergy in 1958 as the ultimate means of serving and supporting others; becoming Bishop of Waiapu in 1971, the youngest Anglican priest to be consecrated a bishop in New Zealand and then of course reaching the highest order, as the Archibishop and Primate of New Zealand. Our deepest sadness goes also to those of the Anglican hahi, who have lost a cherished leader of their faith”.

“The Maori Party shares with all New Zealanders, our sorrow at the passing of such a distinguished statesman, a fine Governor-General who was always prepared to front the difficult issues, in the best interests of New Zealanders” said Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“Whether it was upholding the sacred status of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as our foundation; promoting our leadership as a nuclear free nation; speaking out on poverty or more recently leading the charge on alcohol reform, Sir Paul had the courage and the commitment to challenge politicians and communities alike”.
“He was also highly respected across the globe, having been the Anglican Observer at the United Nations in New York; chairing Constitutional Reform projects in Fiji and Guyana, and appointed Chair of the Nelson Mandela Trust in South Africa.

“When he was admitted to the Order of New Zealand in 2007, I know that for many Maori, there was no-one greater to receive this distinctive honour”.

“Aotearoa has lost one of our most loved and respected leaders in the passing of Sir Paul. His dedication of service and his wise contribution to our emerging nationhood will be recorded in history and remembered in the hearts and korero of the people for years to come”.

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