She spent 43 years in the US and Canada working with Tourism NZ under PATA – the Pacific Area Travel Association.
She helped form Operation Patiki after she returned home to Aotearoa in 2008 and since then the group has worked with local councils and the community to restore the riparian environment.
Ngaio Tiuka, Ngāti Kahungunu’s environmental director, said Paipper was “instrumental” in driving the kaupapa of restoring the awa and establishing Operation Patiki.
“Aunty Aki was a tenacious advocate for the Ngaruroro, having noticed the drastic changes to the awa after returning from abroad she made it her passion and goal, to restore and replenish the awa,” Tiuka said.
Independent MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere said in a statement that she was devastated at the news and sent love and sympathy to Paipper’s whānau.
“It is wonderful to be at the tangi at Kohupātiki Marae and hear the stories of her life and how much she is loved and respected,” Kerekere said.
She said Operation Patiki must fulfil Aki’s vision of restoring the mauri of Te Awa o Mokotūāraro from “source to sea” without her leadership and drive.
“Aki became like a Nan to me and my staffer, Kerry Peipi, and she was in almost daily contact with us. We have both pledged to continue supporting Operation Pātiki in her name, even after we leave Parliament,” she said.
Paipper served the arts too, working as a trustee of Ngā Toi Hawke’s Bay which advocates and works to support the growth and development of art in Hawke’s Bay.
Whānau shared the news of her death through social media on Tuesday afternoon.
“Her love for her whānau, hapū and community matched only by her passion for te taiao. A tireless and eloquent advocate, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her,” a post said.
“Aunty Aki will be taken onto Kohupātiki Marae Wednesday, July 5, at 9am. That evening at 6pm, the whānau invite you all to share your thoughts, experiences and prayers in preparation for her final service on Thursday 6 July 2023 at 1pm, Kohupātiki Marae, Clive, Hawke’s Bay.”
