Post by Royal Society Te Apārangi

Tā Hirini Moko Mead KNZM FRSNZ (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Tūhourangi) was a foundational figure in Māori cultural scholarship and education. His extensive and authoritative texts on tikanga and mātauranga Māori established the academic grounds from which Māori knowledge could be understood, taught, and expanded. With his passing, we have lost one of our country’s great intellectual guardians.   The Society extends its deepest condolences to Tā Hirini's whānau and iwi, and to his many friends and collaborators. His three daughters – Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith CNZM FRSNZ, Dr Aroha Te Pareake Mead, and Hinauri Mead – continue to advance his legacy and set new trajectories. Ē rere e te manu taupua Ki te harinui e taria mai nei koe. Moe mai rā e te Rangatira.