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�����ƽ�� mourns the passing of Kaumatua Luke Crawford (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Porou) who sadly passed away on Friday 13 December. Luke was a valued member of our �����ƽ�� whānau, in particular as Kaumatua and member of He Hono Wāhine for the last eight years.

Luke’s contributions to our mahi, and the tikanga and knowledge he brought to every kaupapa will be missed by all who had the privilege of connecting with him. Luke gifted �����ƽ�� many precious taonga including the name of the Aotearoa committee ‘Te Kāhui Oranga ō Nuku’ and the Te Kāhui Oranga ō Nuku tohu (logo). Luke was also part of the creation of the �����ƽ�� waiata ‘Taku pā harakeke e’ and guided us in the introduction of cultural elements and practices in many of our meetings and events.

But the taonga he left that will be most remembered is his openness, positivity and friendship to all who knew him. Luke was always up for a chat with everyone at our Aotearoa ASM’s, hui-ā-tau, and committee meetings. Luke loved helping Māori connect with their whakapapa, learn te reo Māori, and feel connected to their identity as Māori. Luke was also passionate about sharing culture and storytelling, and fostering respect for and understanding of Māori culture. We know that many in our O&G community will mourn Luke’s passing and feel his loss.

Luke was a special support for He Hono Wāhine Chair Dr Leigh Duncan, who connected Luke with �����ƽ�� and He Hono Wāhine. Leigh said:

“A mighty Tōtara, Luke was indeed one of the tallest.

My first words go to Steph, Abby, Lachie, Hutana and Luke’s extended whānau. Thank you all for sharing him with us.  Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini ke. My strength does not come from me alone but from those around us.

Luke has been an integral part of the whakapapa of He Hono Wāhine. I remember feeling a bit cheeky asking him to be our Kaumatua but I knew he would be fantastic in the role despite his reservations on being involved in the kaupapa. Luckily his angel Steph and treasured daughter Abby agreed with me, and he joined us. He wanted the birth of his moko to one day be in a space where karakia, oriori, reciting of whakapapa, and waiata would be welcomed and embraced.

His leadership was strong, safe, kind and always perfectly balanced for those he was with. He was so grounded in how he was able to put people at ease, especially if they were in unfamiliar territory. He did not make assumptions, in his eyes all people had respect (unless they proved otherwise) and all were made to feel special.  A natural teacher, he understood everyone has a different journey in moving to a better understanding. He was an expert at making the learning accessible with each kōrero being an exciting opportunity.

He gave generously of himself with wise counsel. His story telling is legendary, along with his ability to ‘talk all day’ (his words) usually with laughter and a sense of humour. He held knowledge from the past having been trusted by elders with esoteric mātauranga Māori. He knew of the higher realms, the lower realms, and the space in between those worlds. His lived experiences were woven into his kōrero and given out in the right place at the right time. He actively honed his skills, absorbed new experiences and understood their significance. He spoke of the stirring he felt discovering more about taonga puoro during hapūtanga and birthing.

He worked from a loving heart and cared deeply for te ao Māori. Luke was a connector, a builder of platforms for people, ideas and for mahi to grow from. As one of my daughters said he will be a leader for years to come, what he has put in place will continue.

It is a privilege to have been a part of his world, and he will be greatly missed. Safe travels for your next journey Luke.”

Bailey Parata Thomas, �����ƽ��’s Kaitohutohu hauora wāhine Māori was also extremely fortunate to have been able to learn so much from Luke.

“When I met Luke in my first few weeks at �����ƽ��, we quickly figured out we had four generations of family connection. His mother was one of the first Māori police officers in Wellington, and when my grandfather joined, she took him under her wing. When Matua Luke joined the force, my grandfather looked after him. I believe that I was led to this role to be lucky enough to be tucked under the wing of Luke for the past four years.

Luke inspired me to commit to learning te reo Māori, he taught me so much about my whakapapa I was too whakamā to reach out for, and was always there for me to ask anything that would make me feel safe. We shared a love for exchanging stories over a cheese scone, or a milkshake at Oriental Bay beach.

I cannot quantify the effect he has had on my life. He has changed mine and my whānau’s life forever.”

�����ƽ�� President Dr Gillian Gibson acknowledged Luke’s huge contribution to �����ƽ�� saying;

“We have been truly fortunate to have Luke’s generosity and wisdom guiding �����ƽ�� on our journey and I am very grateful for the role he has played, and the support he has provided, over many years.”

Luke’s support for He Hono Wāhine and many �����ƽ�� members and staff will not be forgotten, and his impact on �����ƽ�� will continue for years to come.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his whānau and loved ones during this incredibly hard time.

Kua whetūrangitia koe
Moe mai rā, moe mai rā, moe mai rā.

For media enquiries

Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166