1 February, 2001

Statement from the chairman of Te Ohu Kai Moana, Shane Jones:

“Kua whati te tau ihu o te waka (the bow of the canoe – Tainui has snapped).

“I would continue that statement to say Te taura here waka e taea te motu, te taura here tangata e kore, meaning that the ties of a canoe can be cut but the ties of humanity are never severed.

“I have known Sir Robert since I was a student at St Stephens School and since our time together as fellow commissioners with Te Ohu Kai Moana. Sir Robert was a former deputy chairman of Te Ohu Kai Moana. He was a rangatira and there was no questioning his position as an elder, a statesman, and a great source of knowledge on tikanga and all Maori protocols.

“Sir Robert was a strong advocate for Tainui while serving as Deputy Chairman of Te Ohu Kai Moana, and was a powerful voice for advancing Maori commercial fisheries.

“We at Te Ohu Kai Moana extend our aroha to Lady Raiha, Tipa, Tukaroto and Nanaia and of course to Tainui.”

“Haere hoki atu ki te mahanatanga o o matua tupuna e takoto mai ra i te maunga tapu Taupiri. Moe mai moe mai ra.”

For more information, contact Kingi Ihaka 025 249 4109

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