Tamati Horomona

Tu Tangata, Issue 25, 1 August 1985, Page 45

Tamati Horomona

Most of the employees at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii, who knew Tamati “Doe” Rameka Horomona were indeed saddened by his untimely death when he was killed in a car accident in New Zealand on May 23. For eight years “Doe” as he was affectionately known, enlivened the Maori Village with his jovial carefree manner. At 51 years of age Doe exemplified youthful enthusiasm in his daily encounter of literally thousands of P.C.C. guests, and he always had genuine respect for his beloved maoritanga.

His admirable outgoing personality related well to all Polynesians here and everyone feels they have lost a dear close friend who left a good impression upon them.

In the Maori Village and the Polynesian Cultural Center “Doe” was the most photographed employee for tourist promotion. Visitors returned and always remembered him each time.

Doe was the assistant chief of the Maori Village for six years of his term and then chief for about two years before his return to New Zealand.

For his larger than life image he certainly reflected a strong ambassador for our own people and for the Polynesian Culture Center.

“Doe” was born at Utakura, Northland. His father was Tamati Horomona and his mother Heti Williams and he was a member of the Ngapuhi tribe.

“Haere mai e te tama whakapai a tooku Matua. Nohoia to rangatiratanga o te rangi”.