Obituaries — Most Reverend Max Tākuira Māriu

I move, That this House express its deep sadness on the death of the Most Reverend Max Tākuira Māriu, the first Māori Catholic Bishop. I express our sincere condolences to te Hāhi Katorika ki Aotearoa and to the Mariu whanau and to all those who are feeling a profound sense of loss and sorrow at this time.

E tautokotia ake anō te tū o te whaea Tariana Turia mō te tū mokemoke o te koroua rā te pīhopa. Tangi hoki te ngākau o tātou katoa mai i te motu.

[An interpretation in English was given to the House.]

Again I endorse Tariana Turia rising for the forlorn figure of the bishop, that elder. All of us in the House, and indeed throughout the land, grieve too.]

On behalf of the National Party I would like to register this party’s grief at the passing of Bishop Max Tākuira Māriu and say only that during his time in the priesthood and certainly in his time as bishop he worked hard, not just in the service of the Catholic Church but indeed in the service of all New Zealand and New Zealanders. As a relative of his, I am very pleased to be able to add my comments to those that have been made already and I am very grateful that the House reserves this time to pay him the tribute that he deserves. Kia ora.

Motion agreed to.