Pakaitore Turia, promising rugby player and Dame Tariana’s grandson, dies

• Pakaitore Turia, a promising rugby player, has died weeks after his grandmother, Dame Tariana Turia.
• Turia, who played 113 caps for Pōneke Rugby Club, was celebrated for his skill and impact.
• His clubs in Wellington and Brisbane expressed deep condolences to his family and teammates.

A promising Kiwi rugby player has died only weeks after his grandmother, Te Pāti Māori co-founder, leader and long-serving MP Dame Tariana Turia.

Pakaitore Turia had been heralded as a gifted player who had a “huge future” in front of him by former clubs and friends.

He was living in Brisbane at the time of his death but grew up in Whanganui.

Promising rugby player Pakaitore Turia died just three weeks after his grandmother Dame Tariana Turia. Photo / Pōneke Rugby Club

Three weeks ago, Turia publicly mourned his grandmother Dame Tariana Turia on Facebook saying “Love you nan”.

A family member told the Herald Turia was born in 1995, during the 79-day reoccupation of Pakaitore “as Whanganui iwi rose up to reclaim their tribal space”.

“It was a time of pride; a resurgence of identity. Pakaitore – the pā – is held with such respect by the whānau Turia that in her final journey home; Aunty Tari lay there first before returning to Whangaehu. That Pakaitore bears that name – a name that signifies such a pivotal moment in the history of the iwi – is significant.

“Indeed he was an all-rounder who just loved to play – to be mischief and then charm us all with his beguiling grin. Pakaitore was deeply loved by his whānau.”

Pōneke Rugby Club, which Turia played 113 caps for, said members' “hearts were heavy”.

The club said on social media he joined the club in 2014 after leading Wellington College to victory the year before.

“He went on to earn 113 caps for Pōneke, scoring over 800 points while exciting the Kilbirnie faithful with his mercurial skill and confidence.

“Although he achieved remarkable success in his rugby career, his impact off the field and his cheeky smile is something that will be missed by us all.”

Pakaitore Turia is being remembered as a gifted player with prospects of a huge future. Photo / Sunnybank Dragons Rugby.

Turia went on to play for the Wellington Māori team and Wellington Lions.

The club sent their “heartfelt condolences” to his children and family.

His rugby club in Brisbane, the Sunnybank Dragons, farewelled him in a Facebook post saying they were “deeply” saddened.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time. As a community, we stand together in support.”

Wellington Rugby said Turia was a “cherished” member of their community.

“His presence will be deeply missed.”

The Hutt Old Boys club said Turia played for them for the 2020 season and members were “devastated” to learn of his death.

“He was and will always be a much-loved member of our Eagles family.”

Turia’s grandmother, Dame Tariana Turia, died on January 3 after suffering a stroke.

“The whānau of the Honourable Dr Dame Tariana Turia advise, with deep sadness, the passing of their beloved kuia at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui,” a statement from Turia’s whānau said.

Tariana Turia was made Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services as a Member of Parliament in the 2015 New Year Honours list.

“A mother of six; grandmother; great-grandmother of over 80 mokopuna, Kahurangi (Dame) Tariana will be remembered for spearheading a movement of transformation inspired by her belief in whānau being able to define their own solutions.

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