Ngā mate
Committee member and kaumātua of Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana, Uncle Joe Briggs reports on the recent passing of three Ngāi Tahu stalwarts.
Daniel Mason
Daniel Mason passed away on 17 August. Uncle Joe writes, “It is with regret (we report) the loss of one of our leaders from the Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana committee. Dan was present at the formation of the group and he was treasurer. His daughter, Parekotuku and my daughter, Awhina, instigated a raffle that put Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana on the map. Dan was a ‘Coaster’ from the Hokitika/Arahura area. In fact, he went to school with my brother, Gordon Tainui Briggs. Farewell Dan, condolences to your wife, Wirinia and whānau.”
Fredrick Daniel Newton
(23 Nov 1925 – 27 August 2015)
Fred’s whakapapa links were to Puketeraki, Ōraka Aparima and Waihōpai Rūnanga. Uncle Joe writes, “Another Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana committee member passed away while I was away. Fred was well known in the Tauranga district having been a teacher at Tauranga Boys’ College.
He was well-known as a teacher (he retired as HOD Science) having been made a life member of the college recently. In an era when formality was universal in teaching, Fred was Fred to everybody – students included. Three members of Ngāi Tahu ki Tauranga Moana attended Fred’s funeral and there were many present who shared special memories of him.”
Rana Ellen (Susie) Amoamo
Susie passed away in Ōpōtiki on August 25. She was the loved wife of Weihana and mother to Ngawai, Raukura, and the late Mihiata, and all her mokopuna. She was the daughter of the late Whenua and Sweet Rehu. Her burial was held at Te Wheke Marae, Rāpaki on Sunday 30 August. Among others, Susie had connections to the Solomon, Tikao and Barrett whānau. Uncle Joe writes, “Susie Amoamo (Rehu) came to our hui occasionally from Ōpōtiki. I travelled back to Rāpaki Marae for the burial where there was wonderful attendance of whānau and friends from Whakatōhea and Ōpōtiki.”
Uncle Joe’s concluding words, “It was a pleasure to have worked with these Ngāi Tahu members. Rest in peace. Haere, haere, haere rā. Tihei mauri ora.” Nā Hohepaturinga Briggs, kaumātua, Tauranga Moana (kaituhituhi: Laurie Loper).