Mr Johnson Kawiti Grey

Te Ao Hou, November 1964, Page 63

Mr Johnson Kawiti Grey Mr Johnson Kawiti Grey, of Taradale near Napier, died last October at Napier. He was aged 59. Mr Grey was a foundation member of the Ahuriri tribal executive committee, and acted as chairman from 1954 to 1959. He was one of the prime movers in the formation of the district councils of tribal executives. On three Royal or vice-regal occasions, Mr Grey represented his people. He was presented to the Queen Mother, and the then Governor-General, Lord Cobham, when they visited Hawke's Bay, and he met Queen Elizabeth during the royal reception at Waitangi on her last visit to New Zealand. A well-known orator, he was well versed in Maori history and culture. He was responsible with others for forming the Maori youth club and marching teams of the Waiohiki-Moteo district. In his early years Mr Grey was a representative hockey player and for many years was a member of the Ruru Hockey Club. A keen musician, he assisted in the setting up of the only Maori silver band in the country, known as the Hamuere Silver Band. He is survived by his wife, Wairakau (Baby), and his children, Raymond, Penny, and Lloyd.