Tributes for Ma¯ori champion
Leading figure in Treaty settlements also a staunch supporter of te reo, writes Phillipa Yalden.
Former Ma¯ori Affairs Minister and Koro We¯tere is being remembered as a Labour Party stalwart, leading figure in Treaty settlements and an advocate for te Reo.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led tributes, tweeting from hospital: ‘‘So saddened to hear of the passing of Koro We¯tere. He leaves a huge legacy, and not just within the walls of parliament and politics. My thoughts and condolences are with his family, as is my gratitude for all he gave us.’’
We¯tere died in the arms of his daughter at Te Kuiti Hospital in the King Country yesterday morning, the day after his 83rd birthday. He had been suffering from prostate cancer.
Born in Te Kuiti in 1935, We¯tere was of Nga¯ti Maniapoto descent. He worked as a farmer in the King Country and served as an A¯ potoro in the Ratana Church before moving into public service.
Wetere entered Parliament in 1969 with the largest majority of any candidate.
He later served as Minister of Ma¯ori Affairs in David Lange’s Labour Government and was a leading figure in the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark said he was a ‘‘much valued colleague in Parliament for many years as MP, minister and Labour stalwart’’.
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters acknowledged We¯tere’s contribution to the nation and his ‘‘remarkable service as a parliamentarian for more than quarter of a century’’.
We¯tere served as Crown Minister for Lands and for Ma¯ori Affairs and played a key role in the affairs of his Tainui people.
‘‘He was also instrumental in the complicated resolution of the Ma¯ori fisheries settlement during the 1980s. His contributions to New Zealand’s modern society include advances in te reo language recognition.
‘‘Koro was highly respected across the divide of politics for his sincerity and integrity. Our deepest condolences are extended to his family and to Nga¯ti Maniapoto for their loss.’’
Ma¯ori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said We¯tere’s death was a huge loss.
‘‘To Tainui, Maniapoto-Waikato in particular he played a significant contribution to Ma¯oridom and was a Labour MP for a significant time.’’
He was a ‘‘grassroots character’’ who drew his political contribution from community level, Mahuta said.
We¯tere would leave a legacy as a political leader in resetting Ma¯ori development and as a leader in Treaty settlement.
‘‘During my period of growing up he was very influential. He will leave a big hole.’’
Wetere introduced the Treaty of Waitangi Amendment Act, which extended the Waitangi Tribunal’s powers to investigate claims dating back to 1840.
Under his reign as minister, the 1987 Ma¯ori Language Act was passed. At the time he said making Ma¯ori language an official language of New Zealand was not only for Ma¯ori, but for the whole nation.
In 1990 Wetere caused an uproar by replying to questions in the House in Ma¯ori and refusing to translate.
‘‘He was unshakeable and unwavering in his commitment to movements that he loved – the K¯ıngitanga and Ratana movements,’’ Mahuta said.
As a man We¯tere was undeniably ‘‘likeable’’, and he was highly regarded on both sides of the House.
Outside politics, We¯tere loved to play golf and is survived by his wife, two daughters, three sons, 16 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.
We¯tere was taken to Turangawaewae marae yesterday and will be buried in the family cemetary at the family farm just south of Te Kuiti.