A Ratana minister who was said to be a close confidante of former Prime Minister Helen Clark has died aged 49.
Tapihana Shelford of Te Uri o Hau was the great-grandson of Paraire Karaka Paikea and grandson of Tapihana Paraire Paikea.
Tapihana Shelford who was also a Ngati Whatua rangatira, was said to be the spitting image of his grandfather, Tapihana Paraire Paikea, who represented Northern Maori in Parliament.
Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says Tapihana Shelford started the Morehu Youth Movement and was a keen advocate for rangatahi and their contribution to the Ratana Movement.
She says he was also instrumental in leading a renewed relationship between Ratana and the Labour Party.
Tapihana Shelford died in Auckland Hospital after a short illness.
His tangi is to be held at Otamatea Marae on Saturday.
