Rip's legacy will live on

COMMENDED: Murdered on Sunday,Craig Rippon, second from left, received a community award in October for setting up a trust to help Maori transform their lives and build better futures.

Black Power leader Craig "Rip" Rippon was a brave man who wanted to make a change for his mokopuna, Matipo Development Trust chairman Petera Hudson said yesterday.

Mr Rippon was assaulted and killed on Sunday afternoon at a property in Wanganui's Rimu St. Six people have been charged in relation to the death.

Mr Rippon and Wayne Temoananui were leaders of the Matipo Development Trust.

Mr Rippon had a long involvement with the Black Power gang, Mr Hudson said, but he wanted a better future for his grandchildren and went to the Nga Hononga Marae Trust - a Whanganui River group wanting jobs and a better life for Maori - for help.

"He wanted a change from the culture of what he was living."

Mr Rippon's aim was education and sustainable employment that would give families a sense of self-worth and self-determination - a feeling they could make a difference.

The Matipo Development Trust was the result, and it won a commendation at October's Trustpower Energy Direct Whanganui District Community Awards.

Awards convenor Kathlene Cook was shaken to hear of Mr Rippon's death.

"When he received his award on stage he stood next to deputy mayor Hamish and just stared at his certificate and said 'I don't have many of these'."

The Wai Ora Christian Community Trust nominated the Matipo Development Trust for the awards. Its nomination said the trust started a community garden and went on to get use of a house at 69 Matipo St from Housing New Zealand.

The house was used to run courses in literacy and numeracy, and ways for mothers to interact positively with babies and children. Ten people are on track to get diplomas in horticulture. Courses in computer use, driving and getting a driver's licence were also planned.

The Chronicle met Mr Rippon at the awards night on October 12, and was hoping to get a story about the trust this week.

Mr Hudson said that would have to wait, but he didn't think Mr Rippon's death would be the end of the trust. "The philosophy he has had has flowed down to other members."

On the awards night Ms Cook read this citation: "Tonight our commendation prize is for a group who are creating a future for vulnerable and needy families in Whanganui. Well done to the Matipo Development Trust.

"This dedicated group have a passion to help families who have very little education or employment opportunity to gain meaningful help and support.

"The vision started two-and-a-half years ago with the beginning of community gardens to feed the whanau. This vision grew to include education for the whole family.

"Since then, the group has gained premises and now runs a raft of courses for those who need it most. They have created a hive of education for training and skill building.

"A once-isolated community is beginning to trust beyond its boundaries. The help of others is pivotal to the change from within to outward. Families who were disconnected, disadvantaged, disenfranchised, at-risk and vulnerable now have a chance to have more and do more with their lives thanks to your dedication. Thank you."