Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Parekura Horomia has passed away at home in Mangatuna on the East Coast. His colleague Shane Jones spoke to Te Kāea of this great loss for Te Ao Māori.
He held the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat since 1999, and was the Minister of Māori Affairs from 2002-2008.
Today, his family announced he was sick, but Te Kāea was informed that he passed away late this afternoon.
The long serving Labour MP was 62 years old and was known to have suffered from a range of health ailments.
He was a strong presence in his electorate who championed a wide range of major issues for his people.
His fellow Labour MP Shane Jones spent time with Parekura and his family and spoke to Te Kāea of the well-regarded MP and the huge loss his family, his colleagues and Māoridom has suffered.