Tirikatene saddened by Horomias’ passing
Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Labour colleague and former Minister of
Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, who passed away late Monday afternoon at his home in Mangatuna, East Coast, surrounded
by family.
“It was well known that our matua faced several health challenges which made life a challenge for him in recent years,
but he never used these health issues to dodge his responsibility as an MP or as Minister of Maori Affairs for 8 years
under Helen Clarke. It’s a very sad day.”
“He was the leader of our Labour Maori caucus team and I know all my colleagues in that caucus will miss his leadership
and guidance. As I have learnt, Politics is a tough game and one has to be prepared to suffer the “slings and arrows”
that comes with it. Parekura was at the helm with the establishment of the Maori Television Service and also for the
Foreshore and Seabed Bill. Through the popular and the unpopular, Parekura was still able to maintain a level of
statesmanship and dignity required by a minister.”
Mr Tirikatene is guest at a fundraising event in Blenheim for Birthright NZ and will then make his way to the small East
Coast settlement of Tologa Bay and the Hauiti Marae where Mr Horomias’ tangi is to be held.
ends