Wiremu Tutepuaki (Bill) Kaua

KAUA, Wiremu Tutepuaki (Bill) ONZM:

Ngati Porou
Ngati Kahungunu

Died on Saturday 9^th December 2023 at his home in Churton Park, Wellington, after a long illness surrounded by some of his loving whanau. Bill was the only son of Pita Tipunakore and Mate Kaua, Gisborne. Beloved husband for 45 years of Dr Doris Catherine Kaua. Loved father of his 8 children: Peter, Paul, Susan (deceased), Leah, Chris, Hapai, Sharon & Andrew. Loved grandfather of 23 mokopuna and 28 mokopuna tuarua. Bill will be taken on to Horouta Marae where he will be until Tuesday 12^th December 2023.

The Venerable Wiremu Kaua had a long public service career across a variety of sectors for 40 years, has been an enduring proponent of Māori language and cultural education and a committed minister of the Anglican Church.

As the inaugural Group Manager Māori at the Ministry of Education he led various initiatives to immerse staff in Māori culture, compiled the Government’s 10 Point Plan for Māori Education, and contributed to the establishment of Kura Kaupapa schools and three Wananga. He has made significant contributions to the national Kohanga Reo movement, particularly assisting with increasing funding to the national trust to improve the teaching of Māori language. He has had a 38 year involvement with the Department of Māori Affairs and roles with the Ministry of Transport, the Crime Prevention Unit in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Ministry of Justice. He has been a cultural advisor to numerous agencies and organisations, notably through his involvement with Waitangi Tribunal hearings as a kaumātua for the lawyers of the Crown Law Office, and as kaumātua for PHARMAC since 2010 where he has led engagement with Whānau Ora Collectives and Māori health providers. Archdeacon Kaua established a forum for the Chairs of a number of large East Coast land holdings to come together to plan collectively for the betterment of the region.