He also referenced the decision to take Kemp’s body to a West Auckland marae after her passing, which he claimed had been made without her parents knowing. He alleged Kemp’s parents found out via the radio.
Ferris described the party’s alleged actions towards Kemp as “the most despicable behaviour”, adding he thought Kemp’s successor Oriini Kaipara was being bullied by the party.
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere declined to comment to RNZ, saying he wouldn’t respond to “any matters based on hearsay, innuendo, accusation or insinuation”.
A statement published this morning in the name of Kemp’s son Temanea Kauika-Quinlan referenced Ferris’ interview as he spoke of the whānau’s ongoing grief.
“We acknowledge the recent interview shared online.
“Although still very raw, it has brought clarity to matters long carried in silence, and our whānau will respond in our own time and in our own way.”
Kauika-Quinlan said the whānau were fundraising to pay for Kemp’s funeral, including setting up a Givealittle page and inviting people to attend a memorial dinner in South Auckland on Sunday.
As at 3.30pm, more than $4300 had been donated to the page.
The “dinner for Tarsh” would be held at the Due Drops Event Centre in Manukau City from 4.30pm to 9pm.
Tickets were priced at $207.50. It also advertised purchasing a table of 10 for $2075.
Te Pāti Māori has been contacted for comment regarding the family’s statement and the fundraising efforts.
Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.
