It is with great sadness that the Green Party acknowledges the death of Mahea Tomoana of Ngati Kahungunu.
Mahea was a wonderful artist and unforgettable creative force in the work to nourish his community and defend the environment from development. The leadership of Mahea and his wife Ngaromoana at Opoutama, particularly during the campaign to stop the subdivision of the coast at Te Upoko o Tataramoa (Blue Bay) was of vital importance.
Green MPs Metiria Turei and Catherine Delahunty who met the whanau during the campaign are aware of the huge loss to Ngaromoana and his seven tamariki as well as the Mahia and Hastings tangata whenua.
"Mahea was so talented and his work was such a strong expression of his love of the earth and sea and of cultural pride. He will be deeply missed by the Opoutama people and all artists across the motu who enjoyed his flair and originality, said Green MP Catherine Delahunty.
"The Green Party will never forget the total commitment of Ngaromoana and Mahea to the protection of their whenua and moana at Opoutama.
"They showed us how art can inspire activism and how standing strong can achieve huge things. We will always cherish and respect this man for everything he did to protect and celebrate the gifted sands of Opoutama for the benefit of all New Zealanders."
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