A great totara has fallen

People throughout Wellington are mourning the passing of one of New Zealand’s great Rangatira Dr Ihakara Porutu (Kara) Puketapu.

The Te ti Awa leader lay in state at the Waiwhet Marae from 8 to 11 July and was buried at his homestead, Taumairangi in Wainuiomata, on 11 July.

Tributes to Dr Puketapu have come from community leaders through the region, including Wellington City Council (WCC).

“Wellington City Council joins our iwi partners Taranaki Wh nui, and indeed te ao M ori and Aotearoa who are mourning and celebrating the life and legacy of a remarkable individual who touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on the beautiful nation of New Zealand.

“Dr Ihakara (Kara) Porutu Puketapu, a true visionary and a tireless advocate for change, has left us, but his contributions will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come,” WCC said in a media release.

“His legacy will continue to inspire us to be agents of change, to champion equality, and to uphold the values of inclusivity and compassion,” the council’s Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow says.

Written by William YIP

“The greatest tribute to a life well-lived is the continuation of their noble work, and we are blessed to have the input of Kara into our T piki Ora strategy which we are focused on achieving and bringing to life over the next few years, for Kara, for our whole community and for the future of Wellington,” WCC’s T tai Heke M ori, Karepa Wall, says.

“The impact of a single soul can ripple through generations and I’m proud of not only what my iwi has done, but also what Kara Jnr is doing alongside me in his capacity as an iwi leader for our city,” Mayor Tory Wh nau says.

“Ihakara was a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength, and a champion for equality and justice,” WCC’s media release states.

“With unwavering determination, he dedicated his life to uplifting the lives of his fellow New Zealanders, particularly those who were marginalised and voiceless.

“His passion for social reform was unmatched, and he worked relentlessly to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive society.”