Tribute paid to Sir John Turei
National Leader Bill English says the death of Tuhoe tribe kaumatua Sir John Turei is the loss of a forward thinking and
great leader.
“Sir John Turei was known for his hard and devoted work to helping people, not only within his tribe and Maoridom, but
in the wider community, and in Auckland in particular.
“Given his large contribution to the community it was fitting that Sir John was the final recipient of a knighthood
under the former honours system in 2000, for services to Maori.
“I pay tribute Sir John for his belief in finding ways to unite Maori and pakeha. Along with other Maori leaders, he
launched a development plan for Maori on Waitangi Day in 2001.
“The plan urged communities to develop programmes to strengthen Maori-pakeha relations.
“Sir John Turei is a loss not only to his own people, but to all of New Zealand,” Mr English said.