Ngā mate

Maxie Alexander Duncan, son of Eva Wilson (née Bannister) nō Wairewa me Makaawhio, and step-son of Bob Wilson nō Makaawhio. Much loved father of Ken, Michelle, Darryl, Ian and Terry and brother/brother in law of Joye and Tom Hanrahan, Paul and Marree Wilson, Bryce and Margaret Hope, and Helen and Ian Rasmussen.

He could be a man of great vision at times, enjoying great business and financial success. He was somewhat of an intellect, a self-professed ‘ideas man’ and a ‘million dollar’ thinker.

Max was inspirational in many arenas including; shearing, sports, community and iwi affairs and businesses, with some crediting Maxie for their own success. He was very future focussed and always enjoyed working with youth. A demonstration of this was his representation on the Halswell Residential School trust, a position he held proudly for a number of years.

He was a man of many talents; an athlete, a world record holding shearer, a shearing contractor, a poultry farmer, a wood turner, a master furniture maker and exporter, a poet, an absolute lover of language, a possum plucker, and a hater of freedom campers.

Max had been a long standing member of the Makaawhio Rūnanganui (executive committee). He made a huge contribution to the committee, particularly on economic development and Department of Conservation engagement.

He was also the Ngāi Tahu representative at the West Coast Development Trust where he was a much valued trustee.

Having spent his formative years in Bruce Bay, he returned south where he spent his last years in his shed in his beloved Karangarua in South Westland surrounded by and working on beautifully crafted native timber furniture, which was an absolute passion.

He was taken tragically when his shed burnt down in early July, in true Maxie style, in a ‘Blaze of Glory.’ He will be sadly missed by all and there will never be another Maxie Duncan – he was an original and those who knew him were better for the experience.

Maxie Duncan

Uncle Maxie.