Editorial: Maureen will be sorely missed

The news Maureen Waaka had suffered a stroke two weeks ago was to me, like many people across Rotorua, a huge shock.

A vital woman who belied her 70 years, Maureen was the epitome of style and grace and was calm under pressure.

It was a great consolation to me and many of her friends and whanau that she was able to see out her final days at home in Rotorua.

I got to know Maureen reasonably well during my time as council and tourism reporter.

She was a tireless worker whose passion for her many jobs, her whanau, and the people she represented was genuine.

She was fair, reasonable, always well presented, honest and upfront.

Unlike some politicians, she did not take anything personally.

She understood I had a job to do and was always willing to chat and put across her point of view, even if it differed from those on the council.

She knew how to handle the media - on her own terms - but with respect and dignity, never with a raised voice.

She also had a wealth of experience which showed through during debates and her opinion was always listened to and respected by her colleagues, even if she didn't get her own way.

In this she never complained or made personal attacks, her respect for others' opinions, even if she thought they were wrong, was always evident.

As one of the few Te Arawa on council she will be sorely missed and her shoes will be hard to fill.

The outpouring of love and grief for her from around New Zealand has been amazing as posts on this paper's website and Facebook page testify.

She looked past a person's colour or beliefs and saw them as a part of the district she served so well for so long.

Rotorua and Te Arawa have lost a great role model, a woman who oozed mana.

She was very proud of her roots and gave her life for the city she was born, raised, lived and worked in.