Tribute to fallen Mataatua leader

Maori Party co-leaders Te Ururoa Flavell and Marama Fox have paid tribute to Mataatua elder and kapa haka exponent Te Makariini Temara who passed away in Whakatane on Wednesday morning. Photo: Maori Party/Facebook.

With Te Matatini 2017 now underway, it's with a sad heart the Maori Party lament the passing of Mataatua elder and kapa haka exponent Te Makariini Temara.

The Ngai Tuhoe descendant passed away in Whakatane early on Wednesday morning.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says Te Makariini was a prominent figure of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and a staunch supporter of Maori arts and the Māori language.

'Te Makariini was a cultural advisor at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and his advice and knowledge was richly sought for anything pertaining to tikanga Maori.

'He was also a man with a wealth of knowledge about te reo Māori. To have someone like that in your grasp is a real taonga one that will be missed by whanau, iwi and hapu.

'His ahua (nature) meant people had a tendency to gravitate towards him.”

Fellow Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox says Te Makariini was a driving force behind the Mataatua kapa haka group Ruatahuna Kakahu Mauku who have previously performed at Te Matatini making the top six in 2007.

Te Makariini was also a staunch supporter of tribal affairs within Tuhoe playing a key role in events like Te Hui Ahurei a Tūhoe and the Mataatua Kapa Haka festival, adds Marama.

'There was a serious side to him but there was also another side to him. A jovial, cheeky and quick witted side that made up his beautiful nature.

'He was a real character and you knew he was up to something if you could see him laughing. His nature was infectious and he will be truly missed.”

Te Makariini is survived by his wife Rose, children and grandchildren.

Aue taukuri e, kei hea koutou e ngaro nei?

Tera kei tua o Paerau.

Kei te huihuinga o te amorangi ka oti atu koutou e.

E te kura o te mate, te kāhui o tuawhakarere, haere atu rā.

Kia kakengia e koe to waka whakarei ki Te Rerenga i wairua e matiro ake ai koe ki nga tai e whawhati mai ra.

E koro, haere atu ra koe, moe mai ra.

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