Latimer death loss for nation

Sir Graham Latimer.

Poroporoaki

Kua hinga he kauri i te Wao nui-a-Tane. Haere atu ra e te hautipua o Ngati Kahu ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua. Moe mai ra i te poho o Ranginui e tu iho nei. Last week, the nation farewelled Sir Graham Latimer. He had made wide-reaching contributions in his roles with the Waitangi Tribunal, Crown Forestry Rental Trust, Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission and Te Papa, among others throughout his lifetime. His passing is not only a great loss to Maori but to the country as a whole. He played a powerful and valuable part in shaping our history, particularly in his time as chairman of the New Zealand Maori Council. He will be remembered fondly by many and missed terribly.

E moe e te rangatira. E moe.

Queen's Birthday Honours

There were a long list of Maori recognised in the recent Queen's Honours, which was wonderful to see. The number of tangata whenua who were honoured for the commitment to their work and serving their communities was higher than previous years, and were so well deserved. Congratulations to those from here in Waiariki who were recognised; Sir Matiu Rei, Sir Christopher Mace (KNZM), Professor Pou Temara (CNZM), Dr Charlotte Severne (ONZM), Marlene Flavell, Maru Nihoniho, Hariata Paikea, Tina Porou (MNZM), Rev. Raunikau (Rose) Stainton, Arihia Stirling (QSM). Ka nui aku mihi ki a koutou katoa.

Matariki

Many of us know that we are currently in the time known as Matariki. Matariki is often incorrectly referred to as the seven sisters, and translated literally as "small eyes". In actual fact, there are nine stars in the constellation, not all female. The Rotorua Museum must be applauded for facilitating free education sessions recently with Associate Professor Dr Rangi Matamua, who has completed significant research in Maori astronomy. I understand that the recent event was a huge success. This must tell us that there is a huge desire for people to learn the correct history.

Homelessness

My electorate offices in Rotorua and Whakatane have seen a huge increase in people seeking help with housing. These are whanau who are living in cars and garages, or living with friends and other families in crowded conditions because they are unable to secure housing. The issue of homelessness has always been around, however there is now a huge shortage across the Bay of decent housing.

- I welcome your feedback. Email mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz. Phone (0508) 924 274.