It is with sadness that we note the passing of Sir Archie Taiaroa yesterday. We first came to know of Sir Archie in 2005 during the occupation of Whanganui's Moutua Gardens (Pakaitore).
The 79-day occupation was a time of significant tension in the city and its environs. Whilst activists such as Ken Mair and Tariana Turia stole most of the headlines, Sir Archie was the wise counsel behind the scenes, and was instrumental in negeotiating the end of the occupation with then then-Wanganui mayor, the late Chas Poynter.
John Key has described Sir Archie as an inspirational leader. Key notes:
"This is a tragic loss - not just for Whanganui, not just for Maori, but for all New Zealanders.
"Sir Archie stood tall and proud and taught others to do the same.
"Our paths crossed many times, and it was always a privilege. I will miss his wisdom and his humour.
"His passing will be deeply mourned but his significant achievements and his strong and sound leadership will be his legacy.
And this 3News story outlines some of Sir Archie's many achievements. In our humble opinion, one of the most notable was the establishment of a million dollar annual fund for tertiary students to study fisheries management, aquaculture and marine biology. With fisheries playing such a large role in Maori economic development, this was an innovative and positive initiative.
Sir Archie's tangi will be huge, given the many lives he touched. To his widow, Lady Martha and his whanau we say Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui; arohanui.
Haere ra Sir Archie; your passing marks the end of a life well lived.
5 comments:
Totara or just another wood lice supping at the sap of the trunk that is the NZ govt?
No doubt someone like Ken Mair-don has already lined themselves up to fill his spot at the supper table
To compare Archie Taiaroa as wood lice is utterly disgusting and most of all disrespectful
You know nothing of this Great man.
@ Anon; I think that's unfair criticism. Sir Archie was a moderate amongst Maori, who enjoyed widespread respect throughout the community, but Maori and non-Maori. He was a TRUE leader, unlike some of those who dominate the headlines.
@ Peri - agree wholeheartedly. I had the privilege of meeting Sir Archie just the once, and though he was unassuming and thoroughly pleasant, his mana was tangible.
If Wanganui was such an important standing point for him Why didn't he stand up for his dialect of Maori, instead allowing his home to be bastardised into some fijianised name?
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