Waitangi stalwart Pita Paraone dies
Northland’s Nga¯ti Hine people are in mourning following the death of well-known kauma¯tua and Waitangi stalwart Pita Paraone.
Paraone, 73, died at 2am yesterday at Auckland Hospital.
A wha¯nau member said the much-loved elder had heart surgery about three weeks ago and failed to recover.
Paraone was known for his quiet but firm diplomacy and was for many years the programme organiser for Waitangi Day.
He also served for more than 20 years on the Waitangi National Trust, eight of them as chair.
He was instrumental in moving the annual protestridden po¯ whiri for the Crown from the Waitangi marae to the Treaty Grounds two years ago.
Paraone had a long career in the public service, and was made a member of the New Former NZ First MP Pita Paraone served for more than 20 years on the Waitangi National Trust. Zealand Order of Merit before entering Parliament as a NZ First list MP in 2002.
He served a total of three terms, losing his seat in the last election.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said he was deeply saddened by Paraone’s death.
Peters described Paraone as a NZ First stalwart and sent his condolences to his wife, Elva, his three children and wider wha¯nau.
‘‘Northland, and the people of New Zealand, have lost a man who cared deeply for his people and country, and worked endlessly to make New Zealand a better country for us all,’’ Peters said.
Paraone is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
His family are now preparing to bring him north for the tangihanga at his home marae at Mo¯ tatau in the Bay of Islands. – RNZ