“An extraordinary man” and “a trusted kaitiaki” are among the tributes that have flowed following the death of highly respected Tairāwhiti kaumātua Taina Ngarimu.
Ngarimu (iwi Ngati Porou, hapū Te Aitanga a Mate), known to many as “Papa Taina”, passed away in Gisborne on Monday after a short illness.
He was 85.
Born in Waipiro Bay, raised by his grandparents in Whareponga with te reo Māori as his first language and educated at Whareponga Native School, then at Manutahi District High School (now Ngata Memorial College) in Ruātoria, Papa Taina’s long career in education began while he was living in Auckland.
In a 2022 Gisborne Herald article, he spoke of how he started teaching te reo at night classes at Rodney College while also doing dairy farming in Wellsford.
He was offered a job at the college, completed his teacher training and taught at Rodney, introducing the students to kapa haka Ngati Porou-style.
Papa Taina returned to his Tairāwhiti home, where he taught at Gisborne Girls’ High and Lytton High up to his retirement in 2002.
He was also kaumātua at EIT’s Tairāwhiti campus for many years.
A statement from Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou described Papa Taina as “a pillar of our iwi, hapu, whanau and community, and whose mana and wisdom have shaped and guided generations”.
“His life’s journey was one of service to whanau and community, to te reo me ona tikanga and to the many learners and leaders whose lives he shaped over decades.
“Grounded firmly in his Ngati Poroutanga, Papa Taina carried the responsibility of his tipuna with a quiet strength and enduring humility.
“He carried the language, values, and stories of our tipuna with generosity and care, ensuring that future generations could stand strong in their identity and cultural confidence.
“Teaching was not simply his work, it was his calling, lived both inside and beyond the classroom.”
Papa Taina served as a trustee of Te Runanga o Ngati Porou and was “a trusted Ngati Porou kaumatua and cultural adviser across education, health, kapa haka and community spaces”.
He supported institutions and organisations throughout Te Tairāwhiti, including iwi, tertiary education and community services, and health providers.
“In his later years, his role as Ngati Porou Oranga kaumatua reflected his enduring commitment to the holistic wellbeing of whanau, caring for not only physical health, but cultural, spiritual and emotional balance.”
Papa Taina was “a long-standing leader and supporter of kapa haka” for more than 50 years, including “a steadfast involvement” with the Tamararo Kapa Haka Competition.
“He was recognised as one of the last of a generation of traditional male leaders, holding discipline, passion, fortitude and matauranga a iwi that bridged past, present and future,” the statement said.
“Papa Taina was known for his warmth, humility, and steady presence. His stories carried mauri and wairua. His counsel brought clarity and purpose. His aroha created safety and belonging. Many found strength simply by sitting in his company, listening and learning through being.
“His legacy lives on in every kupu Maori spoken with pride, every tikanga upheld with care, every kapa haka performed with discipline and heart, and every life shaped by his guidance.”
In a statement to the Gisborne Herald, EIT Tairāwhiti campus executive director Tracey Tangihaere said EIT was “deeply saddened” by his passing.
“He was an extraordinary man and a true kaumātua. His wit, wisdom and kindness shone through in everything he did.”
Tangihaere said he had been “a guiding presence” at EIT Tairāwhiti since 2011.
“He was a trusted kaitiaki and adviser, supporting the merger of EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Polytechnic and walking alongside staff and students through many periods of change. He led countless graduations and pōwhiri with grace and kindness.
“In 2022, Papa Taina was honoured with the Tuakiri EIT Medal of Distinction in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the life of the institution and to the wider Tairāwhiti community. It was an honour that reflected the immense respect he held across education, iwi and community organisations.”
“His passion for education was reflected across three generations of learners – from kōhanga reo through to secondary and tertiary education.
“He had a remarkable ability to use humour and metaphor to teach us valuable lessons. His love for our community and our people will be irreplaceable. We have lost a great tōtara in our Tairāwhiti whānau. He will be sorely missed.”
In a tribute on its Facebook page, Turanganui Schools’ Māori Cultural Festival said: “This festival began back in 1984 with only a handful of kura and kōhanga, just four groups over two nights. From those early days, Papa Taina was there – and he remained there, year after year, unwavering in his support of this kaupapa.
“Papa Taina’s legacy lives on in every child who takes the stage, every waiata that is sung, and every kura that continues this kaupapa.”
Speaking in the House on Tuesday, Ikaroa Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere acknowledged Ngarimu for “his legacy of service, humility and commitment to our people ... ”
Te Pāti Māori had also paid tribute to Ngarimu in a post on Facebook.
Papa Taina was taken to Te Poho o Rawiri Marae on Tuesday for a farewell service before returning to Whareponga to be laid to rest on Thursday (11am).
He is survived by two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.