SIR GRAHAM LATIMER, 1926 - 2016

Te Ohu Kaimoana is mourning the loss of one of Māoridom’s great leaders and a man who was among those responsible for securing fishing rights for Māori in the late 1980s, resulting in the Māori Fisheries Settlement.

Sir Graham Stanley Latimer, KBE, died today at his home in Pamapuria. He was 90.

The Chairman of Te Ohu Kaimoana, Mr Jamie Tuuta, on behalf of staff and directors, said among Sir Graham’s legacies is the acknowledgment and recognition of Māori fishing rights by the Crown and the enduring Māori Fisheries Settlement which continues to provide significant economic benefits for all iwi in Aotearoa today.

“Sir Graham was one of the most influential Māori of his generation, a protector of Māori rights and a power broker of the Māori Fisheries Settlement. He was a leader whose mark will be left on this country for generations to come.”

Sir Graham was one of four Māori negotiators who finalised the interim Māori Fisheries Settlement in 1989 with the Crown and the final settlement, known as the Sealord Deal, in 1992.

He was one of the first appointments to the Māori Fisheries Commission and served as Deputy Chairman. Sir Graham was chairman of the original Aotearoa Fisheries Limited from 1990 until it was dissolved and became Moana Pacific Fisheries. He was chair of Moana from 1992 to 1998, a board member of Sealord Group from 1992 to 1994, and a board member of other Māori fisheries companies during that period.

“The Māori Fisheries Settlement is among his legacies and provides iwi and Māori with significant influence in the future development of fishing, fisheries and the marine environment in this country,” Mr Tuuta says.

Sir Graham, whose wife Lady Emily Latimer died last year, is survived by five children and many mokopuna. Te Ohu Kaimoana’s thoughts are with them today.

ENDS

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