The passing today of Mauriora Kingi MNZM, Rotorua Lakes Council's Kaupapa Maori Director, is a huge loss, not only for Rotorua but for New Zealand, says Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick.
"We are obviously devastated by this news," she said.
"Mau was our taonga and he made a huge and very
important contribution. We are trying to deal with this heart breaking loss as best we can and our thoughts go out to his whanau and to Mau's council whanau.
"He was the glue between Council and iwi and beyond that, between iwi and iwi - his vast knowledge and his sage advice were invaluable to me as mayor and to everyone in this organisation.
"Just a few days ago we were celebrating news of his Queen's Birthday Honour - a very well deserved accolade which he received in his usual humble way by acknowledging his elders, but of which I'm sure he was also very proud.
"Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to celebrate as an organisation. Mauriora was on leave this week so we're very sad we didn't get to show him how proud we were. He will leave a huge void."
Mrs Chadwick said Mr Kingi was well-loved and respected, and he played a major role in many important initiatives, as well as his daily liaison work between the council and iwi - as an advisor and as the council's bicultural leader.
"His passing will hit us all hard, and our hearts and deepest sympathy go to his whanau," Mrs Chadwick said.
Mr Kingi joined the council in 1997, starting as iwi communications assistant in Environmental Services and then moving to the Community Services department where he assumed the role of cultural advisor. He later became iwi communications manager and in 2001 Kaupapa Maori director.
Of Te Arawa and Tainui descent, his recent Queen's Birthday Honour was testament to his wide and varied contribution to the Rotorua community and beyond.
Speaking about his Queen's Birthday Honour on Monday, Mr Kingi said he loved his work and being able to share his knowledge, and contributing to better understanding between Council and iwi.
"I enjoy it because I get to work with our people and support their aspirations," he said.
Having been heavily involved with Rotorua Lakes Council's former Te Arawa Standing Committee, he had been looking forward to contributing to implementation of the new partnership model between the council and Te Arawa, aimed at forging a stronger, enduring relationship with local iwi.