Revd N. K. Kukutai, M.B.E.

Te Ao Hou, December 1966, Page 2

Revd N. K. Kukutai, M.B.E. The death of Reverend Ngatete Kerei Kukutai, M.B.E., on 1 August has deprived the Maori people of an outstanding leader. Ngapaka, as he was familiarly known to many people both Pakeha and Maori, was a member and chieftain of the Ngatitipa subtribe of lower Waikato. He came of a line of chiefs whose names are familiar to students of the history of that area. In early manhood Mr Kukutai became a lay preacher of the Methodist Maori Mission. In the year 1934 he was received by the Mission as a full-time Home Missionary, and appointed to the King Country where he lived in Te Kuiti and served for many years. In the year 1941 he was ordained as a Maori Minister and he retired from full time employment in 1954 and returned to his home town of Tuakau. Mr Kukutai early identified himself with

The Reverend N. K. Kukutai with his wife on the occasion of his presentation with the M.B.E. in 1961 “N.Z. Herald” photo the King Movement and after the death of the late Revd Heemi Rihimona, Mr Kukutai was appointed by the late King Koroki as his personal chaplain and leader of the arrangements for all services at Turangawaewae Pa, Ngaruawahia, in connection with the Movement. He travelled widely with King Koroki, acting as his personal chaplain, and his voice was heard on most of the maraes of this land when Waikato visited afield. He was richly equipped for his task. He had a full repertoire of the waiata and ritual of his people. He was listened to with respect and it was a great personal joy to him to represent Koroki on any marae in greeting distinguished visitors. Never was this more marked than at Ngaruawahia itself where he became a recognised authority on the culture of his people. Even after his retirement from full time church work, Mr Kukutai continued to serve as a supernumerary Minister and he gave unsparingly of his gifts to the service of his people. In 1961 he was honoured by the Queen with the M.B.E., an honour well deserved which he carried with dignity. He was a staunch supporter of King Koroki and the Kingitanga, and it was his urgent wish to pay the last tribute to both Atairangikaahu and Koroki in their funeral services at Taupiri. In spite of growing weakness he was determined to be there in each instance, and the loyal old friend was assisted by strong younger men to climb the slippery clay steps of Taupiri, the burial place of kings. Following the death of King Koroki, Mr Kukutai's strength slowly ebbed away and he passed away quietly at his home in Tuakau. The tangi was held at Nga Tai E Rua Pa at Tuakau where large crowds gathered to honour the memory of a beloved leader; and his body was laid to rest at Taupiri on Friday, 5 August 1966. He lived a full, active, and useful life and he died honoured and trusted by all who knew him.