The totara tree is the king of the forest, protecting other trees from the elements. It grows in almost any soil and withstands turbulent situations. It lives long, stands strong and provides for its people.
Early European settlers found its timber valuable for building materials and Maori prized this forest tree more highly than any other because of its remarkable timber qualities. Huge waka capable of carrying a hundred warriors or more across waters were hollowed out from a single totara log, and often the tree was chosen long before it was felled.
The totara is a picture of leadership, mana and fortitude; much like the following honourable members of our society of which this article is a tribute to.
The late Parekura Horomia, Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and Ikaroa-Rawhiti seat, was a prime example of such quietly noble leadership. I had the privilege of meeting Mr Horomia a couple of months back when he visited Flaxmere College to judge a business competition. He drove all the way from his home on the Coast to be with our youth when he wasn't otherwise compelled to. He did so in efforts to support our youth and to tautoko a relative who led this initiative. This respect for and acknowledgement of the importance of relationship and kinship, especially through being present, was what Parekura was known and revered for.
Prime Minister John Key explained that Mr Horomia was a stalwart of the East Coast community for decades and championed its causes. Like the subtle yet prominent forest canopy, his presence was always noted and felt like a covering.
