Touch rugby pioneer dies
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Maori touch rugby pioneer Gerard Ngawati died suddenly on March 2.
The 55-year-old Titirangi resident was farewelled by around 1500 people at a service at Hoani Waititi Marae before his body was taken to Wahamiti Cemetery in Otiria, Moerewa.
Mr Ngawati was widely known for his involvement in the sport and was founder and co-chairman of the National Maori Touch Trust.
His eldest daughter, Maria Paenga, says her father was highly respected in west Auckland and mentored many young men through his involvement with the game.
"The special thing about him was that he could connect to anyone, young and old. And he always saw the good in people first and was the person that everyone would call on."
Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell says Mr Ngawati will be missed.
"He always had an enormous commitment to laying a pathway for future generations to follow," she says.
Mr Ngawati was also a Maori community liaison officer for the Education Ministry, the Hillary Commission and Skill New Zealand.
Mr Ngawati is survived by his wife, Carol, three daughters and four grandchildren.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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