October 05, 2017
Esteemed cultural guide Lewis Moeau dies
Rongowhakaata and the tribes of Turanganui a Kiwa have been dealt a blow this morning with the sudden death of their kaumatua Lewis Moeau, a man who strode two worlds with ease.
He was 79 years old.
After a long career in the Department of Maori Affairs, Mr Moeau had a second career as a cultural advisor and speaker for ministers, prime ministers and governors general.
He also headed treaty settlement negotiations for Rongowhakaata and took a close interest in the meeting house Te Hau ki Turanga, which was confiscated from his iwi in 1867, supervising its move from the former Dominion Museum in Buckle St to Te Papa.
An early member of the Waihirere club, he was a long serving judge for Te Matatini and other kapa haka events.
Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri, who served with him on Rongowhakaata’s claim negotiation team, says wherever he travelled he was willing to share his knowledge, experience and wisdom.
He was made a companion of the Queens Service Order for services to the state in the 2102 Queens Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours Lists.
The nehu will be held at 11am Monday 9 October 2017 at Te Pahou Marae, Manutuke.
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