Mr WIREMU PEKA KARAURIA KEREKERE

Te Ao Hou, March 1961, Page 3

Mr WIREMU PEKA KARAURIA KEREKERE Mr Wiremu Peka Karauria Kerekere, who died recently at Gisborne at the age of 80 after a long illness, was the acknowledged chief of the Aitanga-a-Mahiki tribe. Son of Mr Peka Kerekere and Hine Puhi, Mr Kerekere lived at Torere before moving to Mangatu. He later moved to Gisborne and finally settled at Waihirere. Mrs Kerekere died 52 years ago. Mr Kerekere served on the Committee of Management of the Mangatu blocks for over 40 years until his retirement in 1952. A keen rugby and hockey player when young, Mr Kerekere was president and vice-president of the Poverty Bay Hockey Association and the Kerekere Cup is one of the trophies still played for in hockey competitions. He was also patron to many hockey and tennis club associations. Mr Kerekere held the New Zealand professional championship shot-put for two years and competed against many professional athletes. He was presented with gold medals for these feats. Of a retiring and modest nature, Mr Kerekere made many friends among Europeans and was held in high regard by his own people. An ardent church-goer, he took an active part in all Church of England affairs. Mr Kerekere was predeceased by three days by his daughter, Miss Hikihiki Kerekere and is survived by two sons, Messrs Taipuarangi and Wiremu Kerekere and five grandchildren.