Former Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, second from right, was among the hundreds paying tribute to Te Orohi Paul at Taheke Marae. Photo / Ben Fraser
Former Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, second from right, was among the hundreds paying tribute to Te Orohi Paul at Taheke Marae. Photo / Ben Fraser
Hundreds have paid tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
Te Orohi Paul suffered an aneurysm this week in Wellington while travelling to a White Ribbon motorcycle ride in the South Island to raise awareness about stopping family violence.
Of Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Awa descent, the 58-year-old grew up at Te Teko but lived in Rotorua with her husband of more than 30 years, Hakopa Paul.
Te Orohi Paul.
Hundreds travelled from around the country yesterday, including Maori Party leaders and members, to where she lies in state at Taheke Marae at Okere Falls.
A nephew, Te Waata Cribb, said she would be greatly missed in their whanau and by the iwi.
"For me she was a woman of many qualities, she was respected for a lot of kaupapa Maori [initiatives] in the Ngati Pikiao rohe and here at our marae. I will remember her as a strong character, her heart was enormous, she was never shy to put her hand up and do the mahi - whatever needed to be done.
"She was very family orientated no matter how busy she was and always had one of her mokos with her. I think being with whanau helped regenerate her wairua (spirit) so she could continue to go out and help others. She was definitely an inspiration for us and was driven to do well."
Among those who have spoken at her tangi were Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell, Rotorua District Council director of kaupapa Maori Mauriora Kingi and the Maori king's representative Tukoroirangi Morgan. Arriving yesterday at the marae were former Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia and Tame Iti.
Te Waata Cribb said his aunty Te Orohi Paul will be remembered for her enormous heart. Photo / Ben Fraser
Mrs Paul was vice-president wahine of the Maori Party from 2008 to 2011. She also stood in the general election as a candidate in 2005, 2008 and 2011. She was also part of Raukura Hauora o Tainui from 1997 and made a significant contribution to treatment models in residential alcohol and drug services, IHC, health promotion and primary health services.
She was also active in education circles, helped a number of tertiary education providers in preparing students for work and was a member of the School Trustees Association.
With her husband, she operated the consultancy, Atea Maioha Trust. They established the first kaupapa driven alcohol and drug treatment centre, Te Arai Rauhanga collective.
Last year Mrs Paul organised a march through Kawerau to stand up against bullying.
Mr Flavell said he was devastated by the loss of his "staunchest supporter and friend." Mr Flavell has cleared his diary to be at the tangi.
"She has been a stalwart supporter of the Maori Party since its inception and one of my guiding lights," Mr Flavell said.
"She has shared her sharp mind and big heart with all of us and we miss her tremendously."
Fellow co-leader Marama Fox also paid tribute.
"Te Orohi had an infectious laugh; an enthusiastic outlook and a genuine love for people that endeared her to all," she said.
"Her leadership was inspirational both at a whanau level and nationwide.
"While so many groups around Aotearoa will be shell-shocked by this loss, the sense of grief will be profoundly felt in the lives of her mother, her husband Hakopa, sister and brothers, children and mokopuna."
Mrs Paul will be taken to Uiraroa Marae in Te Teko today before her burial on Sunday.
