MP’s father dies

Barry Douglas Downs, 62,the father of Far North Labour list MP Willow-Jean Prime, died at his home near Pakaraka on Saturday evening after a battle with cancer. He was taken to Waikare Marae, and interred at the wha¯nau urupa¯ Te Otingaparengaroa, at Skudders Beach. Mr Downs is survived by his wife Adrienne, daughters Willow-Jean Prime and Season-Mary Downs, son Lloyd Downs and grandchildren.