Other side of late Tainui icon revealed

PETER DRURY/ Waikato Times

MEMORIES: Brian Perry is helped by his partner Mavora Hamilton and Hare Puke's daughter Maria Scott to unveil a display to celebrate the life and sporting achievements of Mr Puke.

Relevant offers

A year after the death of Hare Puke, whanau, friends and dignitaries have gathered once again to remember the life of one of Tainui's great totara.

Mr Puke was known for his service to Ngati Wairere, Tainui and the Greater Waikato community through his part in the historic raupatu land settlement but his family wanted to share another side to the man many knew as a gentleman.

In a show of people's lasting respect for Mr Puke, a display to celebrate his life and sporting achievements was unveiled at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton yesterday.

The korowai and drapes covering the display were removed by Hamilton businessman and philanthropist Brian Perry with Mr Puke's daughter, Maria Scott.

Mr Puke's son, Wiremu Puke, said it was a great honour that Mr Perry was the one to remove the coverings.

"The main highlight for me was to see Mr Perry have the honour of removing the korowai. My dad had great respect for him and it went both ways."

A 15-minute audio excerpt with English subtitles from a documentary on Mr Puke's early life and his sporting achievements was shown at the gathering.

Mr Puke once told the Waikato Times: I will lay my body down for people to walk over if it is needed to help to bring Maori and Pakeha closer together."

- © Fairfax NZ News