‘An understated leader’ mourned

Worshippers of the Rātana Church are in mourning following the death of their leader. Rātana tumuaki (leader) Harerangi Meihana died peacefully at his home in Rātana at age 87 on Tuesday morning, Māori Development Ministerwillie Jackson said. Meihana, also known as Harry Mason, was the grandson of the church’s founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. Jackson said Meihana had been unwell for some time ‘‘Hewas a very understated leader, but he had a lot of mana amongst people.’’ Meihanawas a stalwart for Kotahitanga for the Māori people, and stood alongside Te Arikinui Tūheitia Paki, Tā Tumu Te Heuheu and Wirangi Pera, the poutikanga (spiritual adviser and leader) for the Ringatu Church, Jackson said.