Politicians and iwi leaders attend tangi for Adrian Rurawhe

A parliamentary delegation and iwi leaders gathered at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui to pay respects to former Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe. The delegation, led by current Speaker Gerry Brownlee, included representatives from across the political spectrum. Rurawhe died on a Wednesday morning at Rātana Pā at the age of 65 following a recent illness.

Rurawhe served as the MP for Te Tai Hauāuru from 2014 until his retirement earlier this year. He held the position of Speaker of the House from August 2022 to December 2023. He was a descendant of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, the founder of the Rātana movement.

Colleagues remembered Rurawhe for his dignity and his ability to command authority without shouting. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson recalled being ejected from the House by Rurawhe. Labour leader Chris Hipkins noted that Rurawhe had not informed many colleagues he was unwell because he did not want to get in the way.

Rurawhe is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday at Ngā Puketuurua, Rātana Pā. He was a stalwart of Te Hāhi Rātana and had previously worked in health and education.

How it developed

• Sat 3 Oct, 4:00amRurawhe is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday at Ngā Puketuurua, Rātana Pā.

Where reports differ

• One report states Rurawhe ejected Marama Davidson from the House once, while another report states he ejected her twice.

Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff and The Post.