Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa
A bird told us a Totara in Tane’s forest has fallen. A great chief has passed. To our friend, Sir Ian, go and be with your ancestors. Go now. We who are left behind have heavy hearts and our tears flow.
He manu he kōrero mai ki a tātou, kua hinga he totara ki te wao nui ā Tane. Kua mate tētahi he rangatira nui. Kei a koe e te hoa a Tā Ian, haere okioki ki ō tīpuna. Haere, haere, haere atu rā. Ko tātou kua mahue ki muri, tino pōuri ō mātou ngākau, ka rere ngā roimata.
We thank you for your leadership and the work you did to lift up and honour children in Aotearoa
E mihi ana ki a koe e hoa mō tō kaiarahi ki a koutou mō ngā mahi hei hiki ake, hei whakahōnore i ngā tamariki kei roto i Aotearoa.
Sir Ian, your work here on earth is done. Rest, rest, rest now.
E te rangatira a Tā Ian, tō mahi i konei i te mata ō te whenua kua oti. Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā.
The Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Ian Hassall.
Sir Ian’s respect for and commitment to children and their rights has been, and will continue to be, inspirational. A tireless advocate for children, Sir Ian encouraged us to take children seriously as people of today, while maintaining a sense of wonder at the marvel and hope of childhood.
Ever generous, Sir Ian was always ready to share his wisdom and insights and he was, for so many of us, a friend and mentor. We will miss him enormously and are truly grateful for his thoughtful, strong and steady leadership and the legacy he leaves for children in this country.
Our thoughts are with Lady Jenny and his family at this very sad time.
The Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa works to advance, promote and report on children’s rights so that all children in Aotearoa actively experience all their rights, in all circumstances. We are an Alliance of civil society organisations and individuals.
