Maori Party farewells music healer

Maori Party MP for Te Tai Hauauru Tariana Turia is sending her condolences to the whanau of Te Puoho Katene – a man who for decades has been using his love for music to help heal others in need.

"Te Puoho's whanau, iwi of Ngati Toa and Te Atiawa have lost a great man today so my aroha goes out to them all," Mrs Turia said.

"Te Puoho was a distinctive presence throughout the greater Porirua and Wellington community and when we saw him we always saw the face of Ngati Toa.

"He was held in great esteem by many groups and organisations. He will be sorely missed but we know he will live long in the hearts of many people due to his gentle and calm demeanour.

"He was a great believer in the power of music and its ability to heal and I know he will be sorely missed by hundreds of children and people with special needs who grew so fond of him.

"The Maori and New Zealand music circles are also at a loss today but we can rest knowing that Te Puoho left for all of us a legacy of music and compositions that will live on."

In 2005, Te Puoho (83) was honoured with a life membership from the New Zealand Society for Music Therapy which uses music to assist the healing and personal growth of people with identified emotional, intellectual, physical or social needs.

Te Puoho was also held in high regard by the New Zealand Maori Chorale, National Male Choir of New Zealand, International Society of Music Education, the Centre for New Zealand Music, Toi Whakaari - New Zealand Drama School for his contribution to choral music through composing, arranging and conducting choirs, mainly church related.

ENDS

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