AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

20 September 2006

Sir Hugh Kawharu

E mihi maioha nei ki a koe e te rangatira, e Hugh, kua huri tuohu atu ki tua o te ârai i runga i te karanga o te Runga Rawa. Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai.

We pay great homage to Sir Hugh who has begun his journey beyond to spiritual spheres. Farewell to a paramount leader and statesman. Rest forever in peace, we will never forget.

Auckland City acknowledges with sadness the passing of Sir Hugh Kawharu yesterday. Sir Hugh was greatly involved in Auckland city and worked closely with Auckland City council on matters relating to Ngati Whatua.

He was the Chairman of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board for twenty-five years, and of the Orakei Reserves Board, a joint committee between Auckland City and Ngati Whatua that has managed the Whenua Rangatira since its establishment in 1992.

He was a former Board member of The Edge and was a current representative member for Ngati Whatua o Orakei for Safer Auckland City.

Sir Hugh was also an integral part of negotiating the agreement in principle on Treaty of Waitangi grievances between Ngati Whatua and the Crown earlier this year.

Mayor Dick Hubbard described Sir Hugh as a bridge-builder between cultures when Sir Hugh received Auckland City’s Distinguished Citizen award in November last year.

At the time, Mr Hubbard said: "Sir Hugh engenders respect because he himself is a beacon of respect for the dignity of others, no matter what their circumstances."

ENDS

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