Obituary - Richard Mareikura

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 376, 5 March 1991, Page 7

Obituary - Richard Mareikura

Waimarino people said goodbye to Richard Te Kooro Mareikura last Wednesday in what was described as the biggest funeral the Maungarongo Marae has ever seen. His tribal links with Ngati Ruaka, Ngati Kura, Ngapaerangi, Nga Pautama and Ngati Rangi saw 4000 people visit the marae during the tangi, to pay their last respects and to show their support for his family. Richard Mareikura was regarded as the marae's Rangatira, having been a long and stable supporter of the families of the marae. He was chairman of the marae committee for more than 15 years and a kaumatua of the marae and Te Tuakana (the eldest of his generation). He was described as the main thrust behind the management and had a great love of the marae. Because of his own ill -health he was always concerned for others needing medical help. He was the instigator, but often from behind the scenes, of many of the developments and activities on the marae. He was an avid follower of the annual Hui Aranga Easter festival, and was working on the plans

for the Maungarongo Marae and Ohakune to host this year's hui. He helped his wife Biddy in the setting up of the kohanga reo at the marae at a time when there were few in the country, and also was involved in instigating the kokiri centre, which is the Maori administration centre for the area. Mr Mareikura is described as a very strong supporter of things Maori and a stalwart of the esoteric Maori ceremony - he worked hard to ensure that ceremonies such as house and building blessings and the like were carried

out properly. He is remembered by his family for providing great support for the things they worked at, while staying out of the limelight himself. Other aspects of his personality are remembered fondly, such as his love and skill at table tennis and snooker. He played and beat the best in the world at snooker in his day - Clark McKonnichy. He leaves behind his wife Biddy, who he helped on a daily basis with the running of the Kohanga Reo as well as

many of her other projects including Puna Waihanga, 10 of their 12 children, and 43 grandchildren.