The Department was saddened by the recent death of highly respected Wellington region kaumatua Hape Nuia Waikari.
Papa Leo as he was known, became kaumatua for the Department of Corrections in the mid-1970s. He became an important link between Corrections and iwi.
Iwi, hapu and maraes throughout the Wellington region held Papa Leo in high esteem.
In mid-March Papa and his wife Mere celebrated their gold (50) wedding anniversary attended by close friend and colleague Bill Simpson (Regional Advisor Māori Service Development).
Two weeks later on March 30 Papa celebrated his 82nd birthday. He died the following morning.
Papa was a knowledgeable and highly skilled orator, mediator and facilitator. He was also known to be a wise and giving man who will be missed by many.
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