Death of Phillip Fuemana Date sent:

Tue, 1 Mar 2005

Poroporoaki for Phillip Fuemana, 1 March 2005 Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party

"The death of Phillip Fuemana comes as a great shock to us all" said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

"Phil's talents and reputation truly demonstrated the meaning of the brand he created, 'Gifted and Maori'".

"Whatever he turned his hands to, Phillip Fuemana achieved great things. His creative genius was associated with the success of the Maori pop-group, Aaria, and also of Dawnraid Entertainment. He was heavily involved in the development of hip-hop Maori style, and in the production of many Maori and Pacific artists".

Phil had a great future ahead of him. He had just joined the Maorioke team as the new producer for 2005, and was set to produce the debut single for 2004 winner, Tamehana Campbell.

"As a mokopuna of Taranaki and Niue descent, and dearly loved by the people of Tuhoe, Phil will be greatly missed by many. We can only hope that his inspiration lives on through the force of the Gifted and Maori generation".

"E te tangata, haere atu ra ki o taua tupuna, hoki wairua mai ki a matou e whai atu ana i muri i a koe."

ENDS

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