Poroporoaki : Jim Takarangi

Haere, e te taonga o te mate haere. E te Rangatira kei te rere ng
mihi mMu i ng
tMpito katoa o te motu; kei te heke te hup, kei te maringi ng
roimata, kinikini, haehae, au taukuri e.

MP for Te Tai Hauauru and Co-leader for the Maori Party, Hon Tariana Turia, has today expressed her sincere condolences at the passing of 28th Maori Battalion veteran, Jim Takarangi.

“Uncle Jim was a greatly loved kaumatua whose presence at Putiki Marae was a great source of wisdom, of certainty and of strength to all iwi of Whanganui” said Mrs Turia. "He was a staunch defender of tikanga on the marae, and a mentor to younger generations."

“His name is associated with many significant events throughout Whanganui – he gave evidence at the Whanganui hearings to the Tribunal; he was part of the tripartite arrangement established around the protection of Pakaitore; it was Uncle Jim who presented Tuhoe with the tewhatewha at the transfer of iwi exhibitions hosted at Te Papa”.

“At the end of next month, Uncle Jim, in his role as National President of the 28th Maori Battalion, was so keenly looking forward to hosting the veterans and their whanau at Putiki, to share their precious memories as the last few survivors”.

“The veterans of the Maori Battalion are honoured throughout the motu, for the distinguished service they gave, to pay what Sir Apirana Ngata described as the ultimate ‘price of citizenship’” said Mrs Turia.

“As the National President, Uncle Jim was held in great esteem for protecting the unique history of the 28th Maori Battalion, as well as his utter kindness and wise counsel” said Mrs Turia.

“We think of his whanau and we grieve with them, the loss of a very special man; a loved kaumatua who charmed us with his cheeky jokes; and who shared with us all, so many unique memories of an era and experiences that must not be forgotten”.