Kath Hemi lives on in her deeds

CLAIRE CONNELL

Tributes have flowed from around New Zealand after the death of Marlborough community leader Kath Hemi.

The mother of 10, grandmother, great grandmother and "Aunty Kath" to hundreds died peacefully in her Blenheim home yesterday morning, aged 85.

Her tangi [funeral] will be held at 11am on Thursday at Omaka Marae.

Ms Hemi, awarded a Queen's Service Medal in 1986 for her contribution to the community, was involved in more than 40 community organisations.

She was the only remaining member of the Ngati Apa group that launched a claim under the Treaty of Waitangi about 17 years ago. Three weeks ago, she signed the settlement in her bed at Wairau Hospital in Blenheim.

Ngati Apa chairman Brendon Wilson believed Ms Hemi had held on to sign Ngati Apa's deed of settlement.

"It meant a huge amount because of her involvement right from day one. We have had a lot of hiccups and challenges along the way and she stood up at every one of them and fought.

"There is no question in my mind that without Aunty Kath and the work she has done, Ngati Apa wouldn't be anywhere near the position we are in today.

"Her passion and drive for ensuring that things got done was second to none."

Rangitane development manager Richard Bradley flew from Wellington yesterday to pay his respects.

Ms Hemi is his great grand-aunt, and together they worked on iwi claims as part of the claimant group Kurahaupo, which comprised Ngati Apa, Ngati Kuia and Rangitane.

Ms Hemi had links to Ngati Apa, Ngati Kuia, Rangitane, Te Atiawa and Ngai Tahu.

She recruited a young Mr Bradley in 1987 to help with the first iwi claim, Wai 44.

"She's been the Helen Clark and the Hillary Clinton of Rangitane.

"Although she's lost from our sight, the things she leaves behind mean that she will constantly be with us."

Te Hauora o Ngati Rarua co-manager Joe Puketapu had worked with Ms Hemi on an iwi level as well as in their roles in Maori health.

"It's a huge loss for Maoridom here in Te Tau Ihu [the top of the south]. Many people looked to her for advice, she had a huge impact.

Rahui Katene, the MP for Te Tai Tonga, the Maori electorate that includes Marlborough, is also among those who have visited the marae to pay respects.

Mrs Katene said Ms Hemi laid a strong foundation for the Maori people and she would miss her.

"Aunty Kath was raised the Maori way, the Ngati Apa way, where whanau supported and looked after each other. Having witnessed the breakdown of so many whanau values, she felt compelled to make a difference."

Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Chris Finlayson also offered his condolences.

"She did so much to build up Ngati Apa and advance her people. Her contribution was immense, and the final settlement will stand as a testament to her efforts," Mr Finlayson said.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman said Ms Hemi was "tough and persistent", with a wise head for the health, social and cultural needs of the community.

"I always enjoyed working alongside her on iwi issues because while she was persistent she was also pragmatic."

- The Marlborough Express