"Statement from Commissioner Mike Bush following the passing of Ngati Porou leader, Dr Apirana Mahuika"

Ka hinga te totara i te wao nui a Taane engari Mate atu he teeteekura.

Whakaete mai he teeteekua - The totara tree has fallen in Taane's great forest but a leader falls, another rises.

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Dr Apirana Mahuika early this morning.

The New Zealand Police has lost a truly honourable friend, mentor, and great leader. Words cannot express our sincerity for a man who gave so much to make this country a safe place for all New Zealanders and the love that he had for his people.

Uncle Api, as he was affectionately known to New Zealand Police, was a long serving member of the Commissioner’s Māori Focus Forum. He was instrumental in strengthening New Zealand Police’s relationship with Māori, and was one of the key architects of our Responsiveness to Māori programme.

In 1996, Uncle Api gifted New Zealand Police a whakatauki, which was designed to reflect the belief that together, Māori offending and victimisation could be reduced. The words of the whakatauki were subsequently brought to life through the Police tohu.

Late last year I was privileged to be able to present Uncle Api with a green stone carving of this whakatauki, recognising him for the significant work he had undertaken to ensure that we uphold our commitment to the Treaty and to Māori.

I was honoured to represent New Zealand Police and previous Commissioners in thanking him for laying down the wero, sharing his knowledge and advancing New Zealand Police’s thinking when working with Māori communities.

Uncle Api started the journey for our organisation and continued to guide us through unchartered waters in the development of a world class model of partnership between Maori and New Zealand Police.

His mana and wairua will live on.

Nā reira, e te rangatira e Api, takoto, takoto, takoto.

Kei te tino mamae te tau o matou ate, ngā mōteatea, ngā whakaaro kei roto i a au.

Nā reira, haere, haere, haere.

END

Whakatauki

"E tu ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e nga ngaru o te wa" – Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face.

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