Eminent Maori leader dies

Press, 3 April 1989, Page 3

Eminent Maori leader dies

PA Wellington Sir James Henare, a prominent Maori leader, died at Mota tan, Northland, yesterday, aged 77. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said Sir James’s death was a great loss to New Zealand. Sir James lived a life that exemplified the partnership promised in the Treaty of Waitangi, Mr Lange said. “He walked easily in both worlds, Maori and pakeha, commanding respect for the ways in which he combined the best of the two cultures.”

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Wetere, said Sir James’s achievements and work for his people had earned him respect as one of Maoridom’s greatest leaders.

“Sir James was one of the poupou (pillars) of Maoridom,” he said.

Sir James was the elder statesman of the five main tribes of North Auckland — Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngati Tahu and Ngati Whatua — and had been chairman and a member of about 43 national organisations since 1940. Mr Wetere said Sir James was the only surviving member of the Ngapuhi Council of Chiefs of the Treaty of Waitangi, established in the late 1800 s, and responsible for keeping the covenant of the Treaty alive. He had been a member for 48 years of the Waitangi National Trust, which administers the Lord and Lady Bledisloe bequests and includes the Treaty House and surrounding lands at Waitangi.

“Most notable of Sir James’s life was his distinguished war career,” Mr Wetere said.

“As Colonel and Commander of the 28th Maori Battalion, he carefully maintained morale to maximise fighting spirit and minimise casualties. “Maoridom owes Sir James a debt of gratitude because the cream of this distinguished unit returned home to make significant contributions to Maori development.” Sir James had worked for the Department of Native Affairs as the district welfare officer (Auckland). He was also a past member of the Board of Maori Affairs. “His devotion to Maori people is best expressed by his patronage of Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of children, the family and Maori language,” said Mr Wetere. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, said he was deeply saddened at the news of Sir James’s death. “Sir James was a natural leader, whose courage and intelligence were combined with a humour and modesty that won instant respect,” he said.