Eru George farewelled: Mourners pay tribute to Te Arawa kaumātua
30 Dec, 2020 02:59 AM
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Eru George s coffin is carried out of Mokai Marae. Photo / Andrew Warner
A gentleman, a leader with immense knowledge and a snappy dresser - to know Eru George is to know a man considered among his people as a real treasure . It was a farewell fitting for the humble Te Arawa kaumātua as hundreds of people gathered at Mokai Marae, between Rotorua and Taupō, to remember the 71-year-old.
George died at his home on Monday after a long illness.
He wore many hats during his lifetime but was perhaps best remembered as the Māori adviser for the Lakes District Health Board and for his work negotiating with the Crown that led to Te Arawa s Treaty of Waitangi settlement in 2008 and his work post-settlement.