January 11, 2006

It is with sadness that we mark the passing of kaumatua Frazer Delamere a friend of many at Waitakere City Council, and in the wider community.

"Poppa Frazer" as he was known died suddenly on Sunday. He was a member of Waitakere City's Te Taumata Runanga (Maori standing committee) for 10 years and also served as the Council's kaumätua and protocol advisor.

Mayor Bob Harvey and a number of staff have travelled to Frazer's tangi, which is being held on the East Coast today (Wednesday).

Mayor Harvey describes Frazer as a "true friend and confidante".

"Frazer's knowledge of Maori custom and protocol was second to none. He was a true gentleman from the old school who treated everyone with respect and dignity.

"His mana in both the Maori and Pakeha worlds was immense. He had a calm, quiet, aura about him which meant that when he spoke, everyone listened.

"He anchored our thoughts and ideas to reality and whilst he had a huge understanding of history and Maori protocol, he was also a forward thinker who realised the potential of true partnership under the treaty (of Waitangi) for all New Zealanders.

"He will be missed not only by this community, his whänau and iwi, but by the many thousands of others who he touched throughout his life."

ENDS

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