OBITUARY Rewi Tipene
Rewi Tipene died at the age of 58 while doing what he enjoyed — riding in his 13th Lake Taupo¯ Cycle Challenge, at 10am on Saturday November 24.
He had a goal to ride it for 10 years, achieved that, then decided to aim for 15 rides. It was on the infamous Waihaha hill that his heart failed him.
“He was a man on a mission. He was a man you could not dissuade once he decided to do something, he was going to do it – kakı¯ ma¯ ro¯ (unbending neck)” said his son Apiata.
He planned to participate in his ninth Iron Ma¯ ori Triathlon in Napier the following weekend.
He was born in Pahiatua, living on Riccarton road next to the Pahiatua marae. In those formative years he was educated at Hillcrest School then Tararua College and was in the 1st 15. He began his career in telecommunications at the Pahiatua Post and Telegraph department as a technician, achieving NZCE, and played for the Toki Juniors. He was a Vodafone Accounts Manager for his branch in the Manawatu¯ .
He was current co-chairman of the Pahiatua marae along with Bill Carthew. They both received life membership to the marae for their contributions about six months ago.
“This leaves a huge gap as far as leadership and commitment to the community at the marae goes,” they said.
He was a foundation member of the Twilight Cricket Association in Pahiatua. He was on the Committee of Management of the Aohanga Station Incorporation for 23 years and chairperson 2015-2016, and also chairperson for his father’s farm Makaramu in Porangahau for 18 years.
He was always giving of himself, organising fundraisers, ha¯ ngı¯ and social events, Apiata said. His greatest skill was networking — connecting people. Five years ago he joined
the BNI Club, a business networking group which he thoroughly enjoyed.
“My grandfather was the late Apiata Tipene who was instrumental in laying down the foundation work for the Pahiatua Marae. He arranged grants and rallied the community. Thirty five years later it was finally opened. Rewi along with his siblings and his mum were and still are, stalwarts of the marae.”
“My father Rewi Tipene was a huge supporter of the education of his children and served on Te Awhina Kohanga Reo committee as treasurer. He was very active at Te Kura Kaupapa Ma¯ ori o Manawatu at Kelvin Grove and performed at Te Matatini National Kapa Haka competition with his daughter Moana in Te Wha¯ nau o te Kura. At Freyberg High School he served on the Board of Trustees, and supported his children in Te Piringa when they won the Secondary School National Kapa Haka competition in 2008.”
He served on the Kia Toa Rugby Football Club committee for many years and became the president during the transition period of the club. He was a member of the President’s (The Prezzys) team for 35 years. He made a long-lasting impact there with insightful ideas, strategies, commitment, dedication, goals and good times being his focus. He loved rugby and always encouraged other people to get involved. He inspired his nieces to join the Cyclones in Manawatu¯ .
“He also loved his wha¯ nau very much and they loved him. He showed it often by attending all wha¯ nau occasions through out New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world. He always made time for all siblings, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins, Dianne’s family and especially his mum.
“He will be so sadly missed also by his dear friends, colleagues and customers.”
He is survived by his wife and soul mate Dianne and three children: Moana, Apiata, Rehutai and their partners Darcey, Pashyn and Jah; and his three mokopuna Hine-ki-rangi, Kahurewa-i-te-rangi and Tamahae.
“The family were supported through the tangi at the Pahiatua Marae, where friends and family came over several days to share their grief, which meant so much to us. The family express their heart-felt gratitude to the Ratana apotoro, kaikaranga, kaikorero and many ringawera who together guided and supported us through this sad time. Also thank you to all who donated food.
E kore koe e warewaretia, moe mai ra¯ .