Te Wānanga o Aotearoa laments passing of Parekura Horomia

Monday April 29, 2013 - For immediate release

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa laments the passing of well respect Māori leader and Member of Parliament, Parekura Horomia.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Te Pouhere Bentham Ohia said Mr Parekura was a giant of a man in presence and in achievement.

“Parekura was a gentlemen politician, he was one of three government ministers who Te Wānanga o Aotearoa negotiated our WAI 718 Wānanga capital funding tribunal claim with.”

Mr Ohia said Mr Horomia was always fair and result orientated.

“He always looked to find solutions to ensure that a fair and durable outcome could be achieved.

“We commemorated the signing of our settlement with a commemorative Kowhatu (rock) that acknowledges Parekura and his contribution to Wānanga and to tertiary education. The Kowhatu stands at our Te Awamutu Head Office to this day,” Mr Ohia said.

He said Mr Horomia remained a friend of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, who shared the tertiary intuition’s passion for removing barriers to education, and a philosophy of ‘by Māori for all New Zealanders’.

Mr Ohia said the passing of Mr Parekura was a major loss for Māori and all New Zealanders.

“Parekura embodied many admirable traits that endeared him to all who met him.

“His gentle good humour and his passion for Māori development and working for his people was an inspiration for us all.

Mr Ohia said Mr Horomia was always available to kōrero when required.

“Parekura was a warm person who made those who he worked with passionate about working with him, for the benefit of Māori.

“On behalf of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa I offer my condolences to the Horomia whānau and his many colleagues and friends.”

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