The Maori Party is acknowledging the death of a Taranaki entrepreneur and activist, Rata Pue, who died recently.
Mr Pue of Ngati Maru descent worked as a civil engineer in Canada, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and Peru before coming home 20 years ago to campaign for iwi land rights.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says Mr Pue brought his considerable skills to bear on many issues affecting Taranaki and was particularly committed to Maori management of land assets.
She says Mr Pue was a very strong environmentalist with clear views on the impact of climate change, emissions trading and how to be protect and manage water supplies and wastewater systems responsibly.
He has been described by other Taranaki leaders as passionate about those things he felt strongly and was not afraid to push the boundaries.
