MEDIA STATEMENT
The Hon Tariana Turia
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Te Tai Hauauru
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Karekare ana ngā wai o te Taupo-nui-a-Tia, ngunguru ana te maunga ariki, rērere ana te waikamo i ngā whatu o Ngāti
Tūwharetoa i te hinganga. Moe mai rā e koro.
The Māori Party is mourning the passing of a true champion of the people, Dickson Chapman.
“Dickson was a big man in every sense of the word” said Co-leader Tariana Turia.
“He lived his life with a relentless commitment to his people. His mind was constantly active, as he pursued every
option to support the whānau, hapū and iwi of Ngāti Turangitukua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa”.
“As a director of Te Whenua Venture Holdings, Dickson encouraged the people to have a vision – to explore options for
commercial development including housing projects to be established on their own land”.
“He pioneered a brave new project to create subsidies for home insulation installations for iwi members across the
country.
The trust had carried out considerable research which showed there were significant social, economic and health benefits
for iwi if they had warm homes.
“As a result of this work, Dickson mobilised support for a wide-ranging insulation project which will have enduring
impacts for the people” said Mrs Turia.
“Amongst the mourners, there will also be a sizable group of people who Dickson came to know on the streets of
Wellington. What I really loved about Dickson was that he had a formidable intellect and yet rather than seeking a
high-flying career, he dedicated his skills and talents to supporting the aspirations of our young.
“There are many who benefitted under his shelter and care and who will never forget the aroha and the compassion he had
for young people”.
Mrs Turia said “He provided for the homeless and worked tirelessly for those of our youth who were dispossessed. He was
also a staunch youth worker and member of the National Youth Council.”
“We were mates – we were both youth workers, fighting for the rights of rangatahi and for their voices to be heard. He
leaves behind many wonderful memories”.
“Even as he lay in ICU he was still thinking of others. The last time I saw him it was the autonomy of the Maori Wardens
that was exercising his mind.”
“In this sad day of passing I think I should bestow the title on Dickson – Te Taniwha of Turangitukua – for the legacy
he leaves behind, the huge shadow he has left for successive generations to follow”.
ENDS