Former Speaker of the House and four-term Te Tai Hauāuru MP Adrian Rurawhe died from a recent illness, his whānau announced. A Parliamentary delegation led by current Speaker Gerry Brownlee, alongside political figures from across the spectrum, gathered at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui to pay their respects at his tangi.
Political figures gather at Whangaehu Marae to mourn former Speaker
Rurawhe passed away following a recent illness after retiring from politics earlier this year. A Parliamentary delegation traveled to Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui, where political figures shared memories of his time in office. Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins described Rurawhe as “one of the finest people ever to” be an MP, stating that he was a very loved member of the team who left life far too quickly. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that Rurawhe carried real mana and maintained respect across all sides of the House, while Speaker Gerry Brownlee announced that flags at Parliament would be flown at half-mast. Family members stated that Rurawhe would lie in state at Whangaehu Marae before a final service and his burial at Ngā Puketuurua, Rātana Pā.
Contrasting memories of parliamentary discipline and calm authority
While leaders remembered Rurawhe for his dignity and fairness, several prominent MPs recalled being formally suspended or removed from the House during his tenure as Speaker. Labour MP Willie Jackson noted that Rurawhe possessed an underrated calmness, but showed no favor when rules were broken. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson recounted that being kicked out of the House by Rurawhe felt like an even bigger honor in hindsight, remembering him as a humble and gentle man with a staunch side. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi laughed about being the first MP Rurawhe suspended for 24 hours, calling him a rangatira who successfully brought tikanga and parliamentary standing orders together. Former Speaker Trevor Mallard added that Rurawhe held such natural authority as an Assistant Speaker that misbehaving MPs would simply settle down when he looked them in the eye.
Adrian rurawhe retires from politics before his final service
Rurawhe served as an MP for the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate starting in 2014 and held the role of Speaker of the House from August 2022 to December 2023 during the last Labour Government’s second term. He was the grandson of former MPs Matiu and Iriaka Rātana, and the great-grandson of Rātana church founder TW Rātana. Having announced his retirement from politics earlier this year around Waitangi Day to spend more time with his whānau and church, his family confirmed he is survived by his siblings and wider relations. A final service will be held tomorrow before Rurawhe is laid to rest at Ngā Puketuurua, Rātana Pā.
When Adrian rurawhe served and where memorial services take place
When did Adrian Rurawhe serve as Speaker of the House? Rurawhe held the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives from August 2022 to December 2023 during the second term of the last Labour Government. He was only the second person of Māori descent to be appointed to the role.
Where are the memorial services for Adrian Rurawhe taking place? Rurawhe is lying in state at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui, where a Parliamentary delegation attended his tangi. A final service will be held tomorrow before his burial at Ngā Puketuurua, Rātana Pā.
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