Rotorua leaders' shock at death of Awanui Black

Bay of Plenty Regional councillor Awanui Black has died. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua leaders have spoken of their pain at the loss of iwi leader Te Awanuiarangi (Awanui) Black.

The Tauranga-based Bay of Plenty regional councillor died suddenly on Wednesday, aged 48.

Arapeta Tahana, the Okurei Maori representative on the regional council, remembers his friend and colleague as an "authentic" man who always remained true to being Maori.

"He was always true to himself and he encouraged me to be like that too - to never lose yourself no matter what you're doing or trying to do.

"Awanui was a staunch advocate for his people and was involved in so many initiatives to support Maori, particularly at the grassroots level - because of that he had a good understanding of the challenges to Maori. He was a beautiful man who was able to create a number of meaningful outcomes for his people."

Mr Tahana said he had formed a strong personal relationship with Mr Black in the past three years.

"He was very encouraging and supportive. A very caring person who would make the effort, not to gain anything but just because being there for others is the right thing to do.

"I had a bout of depression earlier this year and he was one of the people who visited me, sat with me, brought me kai. The way he reflected the values of our grandparents was one of the things I loved about him."

He said while it was sad Mr Black had left the earth so soon, he lived a full life.

"We should be celebrating all that he achieved during his time, he has left a true legacy."

Rotorua district councillor Trevor Maxwell worked with Mr Black in a number of activities and was "absolutely shocked" to hear of his death.

"I am still kind of gobsmacked, he was so young. My heart goes out to his relatives in Tauranga at this hard time."

Mr Maxwell said he would remember Mr Black as a person who "felt strongly about certain issues, had wonderful oratory skills and a creative mind".

Friend, colleague and ally Te Ururoa Flavell said he was shattered at the premature passing of the iwi leader and tribal ambassador.

"Te Awanuiarangi was driven by an internal fire, burning within, which compelled him to make a difference in every sphere of his life," said the Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-leader.

"I loved him dearly, and I cannot believe he is no longer with us."

As a son of Ngati Pukenga, Ngai Te Rangi, Waitaha, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Raukawa ki Otaki, Mr Black was a highly respected leader and a dedicated champion for his people.

Mr Black had the courage and the commitment to stand and represent his people wherever he heard the call, he said.

Mr Flavell said his dear friend was a champion of so many things for Maori people and he could never comprehend how he managed to be in so many places at the same time.

"But as diverse and comprehensive as the scope of his work was, today we feel particularly for all those who loved him as a papa, a partner, a brother, a son."