Tributes are flowing in for one of Maoridom's most respected leaders, Timoti (Timi) Te Heuheu, who died on Thursday morning.

Timi, as he was commonly known, died at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer.

Timoti (Timi) Te Huehue.

New Zealand Governor-General, LT Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae says it was with great sadness that he learnt of the death.

'Timi was a tireless worker for Ngāti TÅ«wharetoa. He was one of Māoridom's elder statesmen, a man who worked quietly and with great skill behind the scenes to build relationships between Ngāti TÅ«wharetoa and other iwi, and between Māori and the Crown.”
Sir Jerry says Timi's wise counsel will be greatly missed, and none more so than by his elder brother, Sir Tumu te Heuheu, the paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

'At this sad time, on behalf of my wife Janine and my family, I extend my deepest sympathies to Timi's wife, Georgina and their whānau, to Ngāti TÅ«wharetoa, and to his many friends and colleagues spread throughout New Zealand.”

Waikato Regional Council chairman Peter Buckley says Timi's involvement with the council extends to the 1990s when discussions began with Ngati Tuwharetoa, ahead of the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 1998.

'Timi has been a strong leader for Ngati Tuwharetoa and has been the key to the council's positive relationship with the tribe.

'With his help, the council has been able to build a sound relationship with members of the Ngati Tuwharetoa board.”

He says during the years, Timi has provided invaluable support to councillors. His high level comments, views and direction at a governance level have helped in the development of many plans, projects and policies.

Of note was his role on the joint working group for the 2020 Taupo-nui-a-tia project, which aims to see a 20 per cent reduction in nitrogen leaching into Lake Taupo by 2020.

'Timi's passing is a significant loss and will be felt not only by councillors, but also by many staff who have worked closely with him over the years, including members of the Tai-ranga-whenua team.

'On a personal note, it has been during my term of office for the regional council that I have developed a strong friendship with Timi. I've been able to call him any time and we have enjoyed many conversations over the years.”

Peter says Timi was a wonderful leader to work with.
'I have been deeply saddened by his illness and, today, his passing.

'Timi had a stately, perhaps even regal presence about him. On behalf of the council, I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Georgina, and their whanau.”