January 26, 2023
PM Chris Hipkins pays tribute to Titewhai Harawira
New Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has paid tribute to veteran Māori activist Titewhai Harawira, who died early yesterday aged 90.
Mrs Harawira was at the forefront of Māori advocacy for more than half a century, not only through protests like the Māori Land March, Te Matakite and the Waitangi Action Committee but also working through organisations like the Auckland District Maori Council and the New Zealand Maori Council.
Mr Hipkins says in recent years she has played a significant role in changes to how Waitangi Day is commemorated.
“There will be a lot of kiwis who didn’t agree with Titewhai Harawira but no one could doubt her passion and her sincerity and her commitment to Māori, particularly to urban Maori,” he says.
Mr Hipkins extended his condolences and aroha to the Harawira whanau.
Titewhai Harawira will be taken today to lie at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.
who passed away this week aged 90.
The Prime Minister said although he didn’t know her did have an opportunity to meet her on a couple of occasions.
He said not ever one agreed with Titiwhai Harawira but no one doubted her passion, sincerity and commitment to Māori, particularly urban Māori.
“She also played a significant roll in how we commemorate Waitangi Day and she should be acknowledged for that as well.” said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Titiwhai Harawira will be taken to Hoani Marae Thursday before travelling to Te Tai Tokerau at the end of the week.