Editorial: Leader leaves proud legacy

When I heard Maureen Waaka was in Auckland Hospital after suffering a stroke, like many locals I couldn't believe someone who seemed so full of life and who epitomised health and wellbeing was sick.

Also, like many, I hoped she would recover. But it wasn't to be and yesterday hundreds said goodbye to the beautiful leader who had represented her people on the Rotorua District Council for the past 18 years.

I was fortunate enough to see Mrs Waaka in what I believe was her political prime.

It was in the early 2000s when she was fighting for Rotorua to remain casino-free.

There was a strong bid by her own people, Ngati Whakaue's financial arm Pukeroa Oruawhata, to build what they promised would be a classy joint that would provide jobs and wealth for locals, not to mention boost Rotorua as a tourist destination.

It was an impressive argument. But Mrs Waaka wasn't convinced.

She fought tooth and nail to stop the proposal, holding meeting after meeting with members of the public.

Ironically it was her own relation, Pukeroa Oruawhata chairman Malcolm Short, whom she was up against.

And like the true woman of class she was, this argument never became personal.

She had a point of view she felt desperate to put across and the fight never got ugly.

At the newspaper, I was designated the "Maureen Waaka/casino reporter" and spent a lot of time hearing her argument.

She strongly felt a casino would be a shocking move for locals, particularly Maori who were prone to getting caught in the problem gambling trap.

Mrs Waaka effectively won her battle when the Gambling Act 2003 indefinitely prohibited further casino licences being issued. But laws can easily change.

Her catchphrase was "don't gamble on our future". Who will now step into her shoes to make sure her wish of Rotorua being casino-free remains?