Sounds of laughter flooded Hinemaurea in Mangatuna as close friends and family reminisce about the good times of the late Parekura Horomia.
Brian Morris says, “His spirit still lives on, his spirit was felt today among us all, his family and his home people, here it resounds still.”
Author Wira Gardiner, unveiled Parekura’s biography, "Kia Ora Chief" which documents his lifestyle and his rise from a scrub cutter and sheep shearer to the top ranks of the Labour Government and beyond.
According to Wayne Ngata, “It covers all the good and the not so good, because it encompasses all the stories about him, so that the person reading it gets the whole bigger picture of Parekura, the man.”
The book is based on 65 interviews with friends, Māori leaders, politicians and family who all share stories about his big heart and his tireless effort to serve the people.
All proceeds from the book sales will go into an education fund for his grandchildren.
