Mr Bill Nepia

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 8

Mr Bill Nepia

The founder and head of the Maori Studies Department of the University of Canterbury, Mr Bill Te Awaroa Nepia, died in Christchurch yesterday morning. He was 53. He will be remembered as the father of Maori studies in Christchurch. He was dedicated to helping people develop and build on cultural skills and he exerted a great influence at hui, tangi and hangi through his ability to place himself in another’s role.

Mr Nepia was a member of the Te Whanauy A Ruataupare tribe in the North Island but he earned a special place in the South Island for his work as an akonga (scholar) and active involvement with the Rehua Marae in St Albans.

Special services honouring that involvement and mourning his death were held at the marae yesterday before his body was flown back to the North Island, where he was born.

Mr Nepia was brought up in Tokomaru Bay by a tohunga > (priest) from whom he took his name. Maori was his first language and he quickly became devoted to ensuring its endurance in New Zealand life.

He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Massey University, a master of arts degree

from Auckland, and a diploma in teaching. He taught at Apanui District High School, Te Aute College, and Palmerston North Teachers College, where .he lectured in Maori language and Polynesian studies.

His appointment as a lecturer in charge of the Maori studies course^. at the University of Canterbury in 1973- led to a promotion which. Jed: ; to the birth of the ‘Maori Studies Department.

He also became :; a founder of Nga.Puna Waihanga, ai Maori writers and artists’'group which helped many young people to develop pride and strength through self expression. His eldest son, Moana, served as a tribute to his encouragement and i j increased the impetus of Nga<jPuna Waihanga (by becoming an intemationally rf! : renowned/, dancer. ' -■Mr Nepia was - frequently mistaken,. „ for being a relatives of ithe famous All Black; George Nepia. Although he was not related, he did play as a rugby forward for New Zealand Universities and represented Wellington and Auckland provinces. He was a keen golfer, and had planned to enter the world veteran swimming championships. Mr Nepia is survived by his wife and four sobs.