Source: Human Rights Commission
He tātai whetu ki te rangi.
Mau tonu, mau tonu.
He tātai tangata ki te whenua.
Ngaro noa, Ngaro noa.
E te Matariki hīnātore, te taniwha reo.
Moe mai, moe mai, Kia au tō moe.
He rangatira a tatau papa i ona tikanga, i ona reo ake o wana matua tipuna noa tua whakaerere
Kua haere mai a Huirangi me wana kahui rangatira ki nga momo hui i te Tairawhiti
Haere, haere, hoki wairua Papa ki to ukaipo ki te wahi okiokinga haere atu ra
New Zealand Human Rights Commission and the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon acknowledge with sadness, the passing of elder and te reo Māori stalwart, Dr Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru.
The immense contributions of Dr Waikerepuru to advancing human rights, Te Tiriti and indigenous rights, particularly in relation to te reo Māori, are well known. Today, there are several media stories today, including the link below, which are a befitting tribute, to honour of his leadership and advocacy across many domains and over many decades.
Mr Foon says “Today is a great loss for Maoridom, I have many fond memories of when he and his leaders would come to Tairawhiti for various meetings over the years.”
“Mine and the Commission’s thoughts and aroha with his whānau, hapū and iwi, and all those who are grieving during this pandemic. No doubt, that if it were not for the pandemic lockdown, that all of Māoridom would have descended on Taranaki maunga” said Mr Foon.
