Greens saddened by death of kaumatua

The Green Party is saddened by news of the death of Parliament's kaumatua John Rangitihi Rangiwaiata Tahuparae.

Mr Tahuparae died at his home in Whanganui this morning.

“Mr Tahuparae performed an enormously important role in Parliament. His death is a terrible a loss,” Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

Maori Affairs Spokesperson Metiria Turei says Mr Tahuparae was hugely supportive to MPs.

“He was always there to help. I remember that when I came to Parliament he went out of his way to make sure that I knew that the whanau was there for me,” Mrs Turei says.

“I wish to convey the Green Party’s condolences to his wife Rose and his whanau.” }

Mrs Turei will attend Mr Tahuparae’s tangi at Putiki Marae in Whanganui.