A statement from the Governor-General regarding the death of Hon Parekura Horomia:
 
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Hon Parekura Horomia, MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti and a former Minister of the Crown.
 
Parekura was a warm-hearted and generous man.  He was respected across the political spectrum and across Māoridom.  He was a noted orator in Te Reo, and marae throughout our country opened their doors to him.
 
Throughout his life, Parekura was a tireless worker for the people of the East Coast and for Māoridom and was passionate about promoting community and employment development.  The creation of Māori Television remains enduring legacy of Parekura’s public service.
 
At this sad time, on behalf of my wife Janine and my family, I extend my deepest sympathies to Parekura’s whānau and iwi, and to his many friends and colleagues spread throughout New Zealand.  Ka hinga te tōtara o te wao nui a Tāne.  Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai.
 
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
Governor-General of New Zealand
 
ENDS

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Gordon Campbell:
On The Debt Of Gratitude That National Owes To Aaron Gilmore

Comes the time, comes the man. Aaron Gilmore has become the poster child for everything that is loathsome about politicians and the political process. However, it might be time for a sense of proportion to creep into the Gilmore saga.

It would be nice to think Gilmore had established a new benchmark. I’d certainly be in favour of everyone in Parliament losing their job if and when they display an obnoxious sense of entitlement as they threaten the livelihoods of workers and beneficiaries.

But that isn’t going to happen. On the contrary, some of Gilmore’s colleagues (e.g. Simon Bridges) are being praised for their apparent disregard for the needs of those on the minimum wage, and for the public’s civil rights to protest about risks to the environment. More>>