April 28, 2015
Ngati Pukenga rangatira Monty Ohia an inspiring leader
Ngati Pukenga and Taurangamoana are mourning a leader who inspired many over the years with his enthusiasm for education and his commitment to kaupapa Maori.
Monty Rereamomo Ohia died yesterday at his home in Papamoa at the age of 94.
The retired farmer and orchardist was instrumental in setting up the one of the area’s first Maori immersion schools, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou, as well as its radio station Moana.
Board member Patrick Nicholas says he had a young ahua and was able to work well with younger people.
His father, a World War I veteran, impressed on him the importance of reading, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom became educationalists.
He is lying at Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae in Waitao Welcome bay, and will be taken to Romai Marae on Friday before being laid to rest at Tahuwhakatiki urupa.
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