Hon Tariana Turia and Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leaders
7 August 2012
Poroporoaki – Lt Col Eru Ihaka Manuera

Topatopa ana te manu, tau ana te titiro ki ngā au moana, ki ngā mau o te whenua, ki ngā ara tawhito i ahu mai ai ngā tūpuna i Wawauātea.

Ki ngā takahanga i mahue iho i te hunga wairua.Ka ngaro ki Hawaiki-nui, Hawaiki-roa, Hawaiki-pāmamao.

E papa ana te whatitiri hikohiko te uira kua hinga e koe te papa, e te rangatira.

Moe mai ra

The Māori Party acknowledges the sad passing of retired Lieutenant Colonel Eru Manuera, a former NZSAS officer decorated for bravery in Borneo.

“Lieutenant Colonel Eru Manuera served his country with great pride and courage” said Dr Pita Sharples. “His bravery was aptly recognised with the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Sarawak. He will forever be remembered for his valour within the ranks of Tumatauenga; particularly his contribution as a member of the First Ranger Squadron for the New Zealand Special Air Service”.

“When Lieutenant Manuera was awarded the Military Cross he was acknowledged for his ‘quick thinking, personal example and forceful leadership’ which directly contributed to the saving of lives”.

“In te Ao Māori, we draw great significance from the timing of particular events. Eru was a former member of the National War Memorial Advisory Council. It is therefore fitting that on this day in which Government has announced the creation of National War Memorial Park to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War and the centrepiece of Anzac Day commemorations in 2015 that our thoughts go first to this great soldier and distinguished New Zealander”.

Tariana Turisa said “I worked with Eru in the Department of Māori Affairs, after he left the military corps. While he was distinguished on the battle field he was just as accomplished in his contributions back home”.

“More recently he was a member of the Advisory Council for Senior Citizens; he had been Tumuaki Kaupapa Atawhai, providing strategic advice on Mäori issues to the Director-General and General Managers for Department of Conservation and he was a member of Ngä Whenua Rahui Committee which assists in traditional Mäori knowledge and biodiversity management”.

“I remember reading about Eru addressing a large crowd at the Anzac Day service this year in Omakau. His comments were particularly apt “It is about people, land and the connection ... It is important to connect with your ancestors who now lie in land elsewhere”.

“We farewell this great warrior from Te Aupouri who joins his brothers gone before him. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Diana, their children and mokopuna”.

ENDS

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