Maori chief farewelled

Press, 13 July 1984, Page 4

Maori chief farewelled

Christchurch Cathedral became a marae for a short time yesterday morning, allowing Christchurch to pay a final tribute to the late Mr Riki Te Mairaki Taiaroa-Ellison. Mr Ellison, paramount chief of the Ngai Tabu and Ngati Mamoe tribes of the South Island, died suddenly on Monday. More than 1000 people crowded the Cathedral where Mr Ellison’s body was welcomed in traditional Maori style with a karanga (call) and powhiri (welcome) from members of the Christchurch Maori com-

munity. The mourners came from throughout New Zealand and included representatives of all the Maori tribes, the Armed Services, the police, Ministry of Transport, civic leaders, and Church leaders. The service was opened by the former Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt Rev. Manu Bennett, and tributes were given by the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, on behalf of the city; Mr Joe Karetai, chairman of Te Waipounamu District Maori Council; the former Bishop of Christchurch, the

Rt Rev. Alan Pyatt, and the Bishop of Christchurch, the Rt Rev. Maurice Goodall. Sir Hamish said that Christchurch could give thanks for Mr Ellison’s life and for his service to the community and the country. He was a great leader and yet a sincere and humble person with deep passion for all people. His contribution to race relations and his value as an expert adviser would long he remembered, Sir Hamish said. Bishop Pyatt thanked the Maori community for the opportunity of bidding Mr Ellison farewell at the

Cathedral. Mr Karetai had reminded the people that he was a man of peace from a family of peace, Bishop Pyatt said. Bishop Goodall believed it was the first time the Cathedral had shared the role of a marae and said it was a tremendous and special occasion. After the memorial service, the funeral procession moved to Mr Ellison’s home at Taumutu for the final night of his tangi. His body lay at Rehua marae during the first two days of the tangi. He will be buried at Taumutu.