The Maori Party has acknowledged the death of a Pakeha historian and say Te Arawa history will "never fade" because of his work.Rotorua's official historian Don Stafford died after a brief illness. He was 82.Dr Stafford was a "storyteller,
The Maori Party has acknowledged the death of a Pakeha historian and say Te Arawa history will "never fade" because of his work.
Rotorua's official historian Don Stafford died after a brief illness. He was 82.
Dr Stafford was a "storyteller, a keeper and sharer of knowledge", Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell said.
"Thanks to Don a lot of Te Arawa history will never fade among the generations and this is one of the greatest legacies he has left for Te Arawa.
"Our aroha goes out to Don's whanau but I'm sure they will agree that he lived a truly fulfilling life that not only made a difference for Te Arawa but that built bridges between Maori in Rotorua and Pakeha."
Dr Stafford was awarded an MBE, a CBE and an honorary doctorate from Waikato University. He was regarded as Rotorua's Pakeha kaumatua.
He was the author of 23 books and was Rotorua Museum's founding curator.
His wife Nancy died in 1997. They are survived by two children, six grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day.
