ACT Saddened By Loss Of Parliament's Kaumatua
Rodney Hide MP Thursday, October 2 2008
ACT Leader Rodney Hide and Deputy Leader Heather Roy were today saddened to learn of the passing of Parliament kaumatua
John Rangitihi Rangiwaiata Tahuparae.
"Both Heather Roy and myself were very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Tahuparae, Parliament's first
officially-appointed kaumatua," Mr Hide said.
"Mr Tahuparae's provided exemplary service in his role of Parliamentary kaumatua - which included leading the whakanoa
ceremony at Parliament as part of Tribute 08, the national reunion to honour Vietnam veterans and their families.
"He will be missed by MPs and staff across the political divide.
"The thoughts of ACT's MPs are with Mr Tauparae's whanau, hapu and iwi at this time," Mr Hide said.
ENDS