Sharples Pita: Obituaries — Ralph Hotere ONZ 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Sharples Pita: Obituaries — Ralph Hotere ONZ 
[Sitting date: 26 February 2013. Volume:687;Page:8147. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Maori Party) 
: 
 A tena koe Mr Speaker. Korero ahau mo Te Pati Maori mo te rangatira no Te Aupouri i Te Rarawa ara a Hone Papita Raukura Ralph Hotere. 
[ 
And greetings to you Mr Speaker I speak on behalf of the Maori Party about the respected one from Te Aupouri at Te Rarawa Hone Papita Raukura Ralph Hotere. 
] 
Ralph was well known internationally for his wonderful artworks but he was also a much loved man who was respected within our community. He was born in Mitimiti Hokianga and schooled at Hato Petera College in Auckland. Everywhere he stepped through his life he made an impact. He moved to the other end of the motu to Dunedin but also travelled the world to refine his craft. During his time in Auckland we became friends around the whare wananga. Our crew included Barry Crump Hone Tuwhare Buck Nin and Colin McCahon in the arts world and then with anthropologists like Pat Hohepa Bruce Biggs and many many others. Ralph was a humble man. Despite his obvious talents he would never accept praise. He tangata whakaiti he tangata humarie. 
[ 
He was a humble and amiable person. 
] 
He also used his art to speak for itself. He was not one to interpret it for you. It was what it was and you read into it how you liked. More than an artist Ralph’s artworks encapsulated much of the struggle that tangata whenua were facing during his time. He was an activist. He was a thought-provoking philosopher. He was an advocate for Maori rights. He was a man’s man and he may have been a quiet man but he certainly found a way to communicate his thoughts around the world through his artwork. He obviously had a wonderful understanding of the world around. We are proud of his achievements both here in Aotearoa and internationally. He pushed boundaries. He led the way for New Zealand art and as a result he has earned his place in our history and the world’s history. 
His art hangs here in Parliament it adorns the front of Te Puni Kokiri building and at many other places around the motu. Most important it hangs in the homes of those whom he loved and who love him. It will remain a reminder of his great talent and his great contribution. He took our culture to the world. He took our aspirations as tangata whenua and enticed people to engage in our history and our stories. He had refined artistic skill but he was also a storyteller at heart. It was our New Zealand stories that he told so well. He will be sorely missed and we send our aroha and condolences to his whanau. 
Ki tana hoa rangatira a ki a Andrea hoki. Na reira kai te rangatira takoto haere. Haere atu ki a ratou e kiia nei ko te mana ko te tini. Haere atu ki a ratou ko te paepae maumahara ko te kapunipunitanga o-Wairua. Na reira haere okioki pai. Waiho matou i konei taute ai tangi ai haere okioki pai noa. 
[ 
To his wife and Andrea as well. And so to you esteemed one lie there farewell. Journey on to they who are referred to as the powerful and the exceedingly great number. Go forth to them the recollection beam the gathering place of the spiritual. And so farewell rest well.  
Leave us here to grieve and mourn go. Simply rest well. 
]