KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister Helen Clark has expressed sadness at the death of Parliament's first official kaumatua.
John Rangitihi Rangiwaiata Tahuparae, known by many as "John T", died at his Wanganui home today.
Mr Tahuparae, a renowned orator, was appointed Parliament's first official kaumatua in 2000, providing cultural and tikanga advice to Speaker Margaret Wilson on the running of Parliament, as well as advice to dignitaries, including visiting royalty.
Helen Clark said he held a special place in Parliament's history.
"John performed outstanding service to Parliament as kaumatua over a number of years.
"At countless formal occasions at Parliament, he accompanied many dignitaries to be greeted by powhiri," she said.
"John was also an incredibly warm and caring man. My thoughts are with his partner, Rose and his whanau and iwi at this time."
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said Mr Tahuparae was a renowned orator.
"Tahu provided expert cultural advice on matters of tikanga and protocol; and imbued every occasion with the sense of significance through the appropriate karakia and whaikorero," Mr Sharples said.
Co-leader Tariana Turia said: "Tahu achieved national prominence as a pioneering broadcaster, reporting for Te Karere in the early days of Maori TV news."
"Tahu's life was one of complete and utter dedication to the people. Part of his legacy is the Ta Kingi Ihaka award, for a lifelong contribution to the development and retention of Maori arts and culture. Amongst his more recent contributions was as the cultural and spiritual adviser to Vincent Ward in the River Queen," Mrs Turia said.
Green MP Metiria Turei said 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 said.
Speaker of the House Margaret Wilson also paid tribute. "John's contribution to the mana of Parliament cannot be underestimated."
Mr Tahuparae was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for his services to Maori.
Ms Wilson said Mr Tahuparae was of Whanganui, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa, Ngati Maru Kopiri, Te Atiawa, Ngati Ruanui, Nga Rauru, Ngati Apa Rangitane and Ngati Maniapoto descent.
The Maori Party feels bereft to hear of the death of Rangitihi Tahuparae, and we send our love and sorrow to his family and relations from the many tribes he was connected to.
- NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF
