RIP Koro Wetere

The Herald reported:

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is among those paying tribute to former Māori Affairs and Labour MP Koro Wētere, who has died aged 83.

Sad news. a very nice man.

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters said, on behalf of the Government, he wanted to acknowledge the contribution Wētere had made to the country and his remarkable service as an MP for more than quarter of a century.

“Koro was highly respected across the divide of politics for his sincerity and integrity. Our deepest condolences are extended to his family and to Ngāti Maniapoto for their loss,” Peters said.

Somewhat ironic as Peters pursued Wetere in the 1980s over the Maori loan affair, and kept calling on him (rightfully) to resign.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark wrote on Twitter that Wētere was a much-valued colleague for many years and a Labour stalwart, Tainui elder and had dedicated his life to public service.

Condolences to his family and friends.