Passing of Sir John Turei a great loss

The passing of Tuhoe rangatira and elder statesman Sir John Turei is a loss for New Zealand, says National Maori Affairs Spokesperson Georgina te Heuheu.

“Sir John Turei’s death marks the end of a career and life of services which included many official government engagements and 40 years of services to communities, both large and small,” Mrs te Heuheu said.

“His leadership and services in the Auckland community in particular over the last 40 years during a period of great change for Maori, received due recognition when he received his knighthood in 2000.

“I was privileged to attend his investiture at the Rewa Rewa Marae, and given his lifetime of services to our nation and his desire to reconcile New Zealanders with each other, it is fitting that Sir John was the last person to receive the honour.
Mrs te Heuheu served on the Waitangi Tribunal with Sir John Turei.

“I valued immensely his knowledge and wisdom and his judgement in dealing with issues, some of them controversial. He was a wonderful person to work with. He was also someone who had the ability to ‘lighten the load’ with his sense of humour.

“He was a kind and compassionate leader and I shall personally miss him. I pay tribute to his wife and family for allowing him to contribute to our lives,” she said.

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