The Māori community mourns the loss of a cherished scholar and advocate, Sir Patu Hohepa, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87 at his home in Waimā, Hokianga. Whānau spokesperson Julian Wilcox shared this somber news in a heartfelt Facebook post, marking the end of an era for Māori culture and education.
Sir Patu Hohepa was more than just a scholar; he was a visionary who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Māori language, culture, and heritage. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Māori community and New Zealand as a whole.
A Distinguished Career
One of his significant achievements was his tenure as a professor of Māori Language at the University of Auckland, where he became the first advocate for the establishment of a marae at the tertiary institution. This was a groundbreaking step in recognizing the importance of Māori culture within the academic landscape.
Sir Patu Hohepa’s impact extended beyond the classroom. He served as the Māori Language Commissioner for Te Taura Whiri from 1997 to 2007, where he played a pivotal role in the revitalization and preservation of the Māori language. His leadership and dedication to te reo Māori were unwavering.
In the early 2000s, he was also a valued member of Te Waka Toi, the Māori Board of Creative New Zealand, contributing to the promotion and support of Māori artists and their creative endeavors.
A Cultural Ambassador
In 2014, Sir Patu Hohepa led the New Zealand delegation that accompanied an exhibition of 50 Gottfried Lindauer paintings depicting Māori to Europe. His role as a cultural ambassador helped introduce Māori art and heritage to a global audience, fostering a deeper understanding of Māori culture.
A Knight of Distinction
His lifelong dedication and contributions to Māori culture and education were recognized and celebrated when he was knighted in 2022. This prestigious honor was a testament to his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the Māori community.
A Lasting Legacy
Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Patu Hohepa remained a teacher at heart, imparting his knowledge of te reo Māori and advocating for the recognition and development of Māori culture. His passion and dedication have inspired generations and will continue to do so for years to come.
As we bid farewell to this iconic kaumātua, Sir Patu Hohepa’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the Māori people. His contributions have paved the way for the continued growth and celebration of Māori culture, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and integral part of New Zealand’s identity.
His tangi will be held at Otātara Marae, Waimā, where friends, family, and admirers will come together to celebrate the life of a true champion of Māori culture and education.
Labour MP Peeni Henare aptly described him as a “roaring lion” during the Te Paparahi o te Raki Waitangi Tribunal hearings, a leader who took his people on a journey of rediscovering their history and mātauranga. Sir Patu Hohepa’s roar may have quieted, but its echoes will resonate for generations to come.