Senior Maori orator dies

The kingitanga flag. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Senior orator and chief Tainui kingitanga spokesman John Haunui died yesterday. He was 71.

Mr Haunui served King Koroki, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and current King Tuheitia and he spoke on behalf of other kingitanga leaders.

His death comes at a time when the iwi is trying to sort out whether Tania Martin, the elected chairwoman of the tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, has been fired by King Tuheitia. Tainui is also dealing with fallout from a tribal poukai during which the king is reported to have sworn at tribal members, an event that happened under Mr Haunui's watch.

Tribal member Tom Roa said loyalty had been Mr Haunui's guiding value. He'd spoken to Mr Haunui only yesterday morning, about the tribe's current difficulties.

"His only words to me was that he sits with the king and he [sees] himself as a protector of the king."

Mr Roa said the charismatic figure, who would have only just topped five feet was regarded as a classical te reo giant. Known nationally and throughout the Pacific Islands where he'd travelled with Dame Te Ata for his oratory, many would be asking themselves if his death could have possibly come at a worse time.

"That's the big question that we'll no doubt debate, walk around, talk through ... during the tangi. I would suggest it's already began. Who are people who can fulfil his role? Even though he was such a small man, it's going to be impossible to fill his shoes."

Personally, he'd remember him as someone who was generous with young speakers who were finding their feet.

"There's nothing more daunting than standing up and knowing you're representing not only yourself, but your hapu and the whole iwi. His support meant everything."

Rahui Papa, another tribal spokesman, said Mr Haunui learned his craft from greats such as Henare Tuwhangai. The man new how to work a crowd.

"It come with years and years of practice. He knew how to drop a joke and he also knew how to give someone a growling but make them still feel worthy. He was one of the last orators of Te Arikinui's, he was an expert."

Mr Haunui will lie at Waahi Marae in Huntly.

He is survived by his wife, six children and mokopuna.

In the High Court at Hamilton yesterday, Ms Martin sought an injunction in relation to her dismissal. However, Justice Rodney Hansen said the tribe should sought the issue out - should a hearing be required the tribe and Ms Martin were to contact the court in early 2011.

Waikato-Tainui's Tuku Morgan said a disputes resolution process was continuing but it was likely Te Kauhanganui would be the final arbiter of Ms Martin's future. A special meeting was likely before February.