Otara veteran Bill Wiki killed crossing road in wheelchair

Bill Wiki died in hospital on Monday after being hit by a car on Sunday. Photo / Jenny Salesa

Veteran Otara kaumatua Bill Wiki has died after being run down by a car while crossing a road in his wheelchair.

Wiki, a former army gunner who was awarded a Queen's Service Medal in 2005 for his long service to the Otara community, was crossing East Tamaki Rd near the East Tamaki Tavern when he was hit by a car on Sunday.

Police Sergeant Sarah Hill said the site was not a pedestrian crossing and no one had been charged in relation to the tragedy.

"We have examined CCTV footage and it shows the wheelchair coming out in front of oncoming traffic. The driver had no opportunity to sight him before he came out in front of him," she said.

She said the driver co-operated with police at the scene.

"The elderly male was transported to Middlemore Hospital with moderate injuries. The male died the next day in hospital," she said.

"The matter has been referred to the Coroner."

Wiki, who would have turned 85 today, was buried today at his home marae, Otiria Marae near Moerewa in Northland.

He had been in a wheelchair since he had one leg amputated due to diabetes at least 15 years ago.

Wiki lost a leg due to diabetes at least 15 years ago. Photo / Facebook

Wiki served as a gunner in the army from 1954 to 1956 and then in the territorials until June 1957.

Robertson said Wiki then worked in the old R & W Hellaby meatworks, where he was a union delegate.

Northern Chemical Workers Union secretary Pat Brown said Wiki later worked for many years at an ink factory in Onehunga run by what is now DIC Corporation. He was a union delegate there, became president of the Paint and Varnish Union and later vice-president of the merged Northern Chemical Workers Union.

After the Onehunga ink factory closed, Wiki did voluntary work as a Justice of the Peace, served on the Otara Community Board and the Ōtara Licensing Trust, and was a stalwart of the Otara Labour Party.

"He was at every Anzac Day parade," Robertson said. "He would be there in his wheelchair."

Wiki was awarded a Queen's Service Medal in 2005 for his long service to the community. Photo / Facebook

Manurewa kaumatua Rangi McLean said Wiki was involved in the Polyfest schools festival from its beginnings 43 years ago and was a regular presence at every festival until this year.

Maāngere Labour MP and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio said on Facebook that Wiki was "sorely missed" at this year's festival.

"It's a pity that he's not here this morning when we have got the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attending. Bill was a huge supporter and one of the mainstays of the Labour Party, particularly here in Otara," Sio said.

Disability activist Dr Huhana Hickey responded to Sio's post saying: "I remember this kaumatua he came and held and cried with me at the 2004 Labour conference when things went bad for disabled there, his love and kindness got me through a nasty time."

A family friend, Terry Taniwha, said Wiki had five children and many grandchildren, and advocated for many people in difficulties, particularly with health issues.

"He was an advocate for anyone who was disadvantaged," he said.

A grand-daughter, Tawaka Kathylen, posted on Monday: "Today we lost the biggest influence in my life. The strongest man I know, the man who made me into the person I have become."

Manukau East MP Jenny Salesa said Wiki was "a hugely memorable character".

"He was very vocal – both in his support and in his challenges, when he thought Otara might not be getting the best deal," she said. "As the local MP, I greatly appreciated his advice – of both kinds."

• A memorial service for Bill Wiki will be held at the Otara Recreation Centre in Newbury Lane at 9am on Monday March 19.