Tainui kaumatua and academic Dr Tui Adams Mourned

Te Wananga o Aotearoa mourns passing of respected Tainui kaumatua and academic Dr Tui Adams

22 August, 2009

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Chief Executive Bentham Ohia today joined with leaders from throughout the country in marking the passing of respected Tainui kaumatua and cultural expert Dr Tuhuatahi Tui Adams, QSO; Hon PhD ( Waikato); Adj Professor (TWoA)

Mr Ohia said Dr Adams was a reservoir of knowledge and an expert in the knowledge systems of Waikato, Maniapoto, Hauraki and Raukawa.

“Koro Tui was a man steeped in learning, who carried himself with humility and a quiet dignity.”

He was an exceptionally generous man who committed his life to sharing the knowledge he had acquired, and in nurturing a passion for learning in others.”

Mr Ohia said the much loved and respected Tainui kaumatua retained a lightening wit and good humour despite deteriorating health.

“His passing leaves a great sadness in me and among the multitudes of people he touched. He was a deep well of knowledge who will be greatly missed.

“I will miss him, and have deep aroha for his whanau at this time.”

Dr Adams was a bedrock of support for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa co-founder and Tumuaki Rongo Wetere. A commitment continued, following the resignation of Dr Wetere, when Mr Ohia was appointed Te Pouhere.

Dr Adams was a kaumatua of Te Wananga o Aotearoa and senior tutor of Te Arataki Manu Korero programme, a programme he co-founded with Dr Wetere. Te Arataki Manu Korero assist Tainui elders better understand Tainui tikanga and history. It was set up by Dr Adams to ensure the continuity of Tainui traditions and identity with a specific focus on kaumatua - the traditional repositories of Maori knowledge. The programme has continued to be very successful and has been adopted by many iwi and rohe throughout the country.

He was a recipient of the Queen Services Medal in 2000 for services to the Maori community and in 2003 received an honorary doctorate from The University of Waikato.

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