Far North kaumatua leaves cultural legacy

He Maimai Aroha.

Far North District Council acknowledges the passing of Hugh Rihari, a respected kaumātua and member of our Te Pātukurea Hapū Rōpū Group.

Mayor Moko Tepania also personally acknowledges the passing of Hugh.

“E te rangatira ahuwhenua, moe mai rā. Papa Hugh was a strong voice for his people, and he represented them right to the end. Our aroha to whānau, what a loss for the Far North”, Kahika Mayor Moko Tepania said of Hugh’s passing.

Hugh was a major driver in the delivery of the long awaited and recently adopted Te Pātukurea Kerikeri Waipapa Spatial Plan alongside his many years of representing his hapū Ngāti Torehina and Ngāti Mau on council matters. He will be fondly remembered by staff for his aroha and kindness, alongside his sound advice and vast knowledge.

Hugh was a kaumātua among rangatira and will be sorely missed around the table. His contributions to Te Pātukurea will shape the future of Kerikeri, Waipapa and surrounds for years to come. Our deepest condolences go out to Hugh’s whānau.

A copy of Hugh’s obituary can be found here.