Maori Party mourns loss of stalwart supporter

The Maori Party is mourning the loss of one of their most loyal supporters, Te Orohi Paul.

Tributes are flowing in for one of Maori Party's most loyal supporter.

Te Orohi Paul, of Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Awa descent, died suddenly from what is believed to be an aneurism while taking part in a White Ribbon motorbike ride this week in the South Island.

Mrs Paul was a Maori Party candidate in the 2005, 2008 and 2011 General Elections and was also appointed as vice president wahine for the party from 2008 to 2011.

She was also active in education circles, and was a member of the School Trustees Association.

"We are devastated by the loss of Te Orohi Paul. She has been a stalwart supporter of the Maori Party since its inception and one of my guiding lights," Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said

"She has shared her sharp mind and big heart with all of us and we miss her tremendously."

The tangi is underway at Taheke Marae at Okere Falls and she will be taken to Uiraroa Marae in Te Teko tomorrow before her burial on Sunday.

The Rotorua Daily Post will have a full obituary for Mrs Paul in tomorrow's paper.