Former Speaker of the House and Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe dies
Former New Zealand Speaker of the House and Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe has passed away at Rātana Pā following a recent illness. Political leaders from across the spectrum have paid tribute to his dignity, fairness, and commitment to his people.
Why it matters
Rurawhe was a significant figure in New Zealand politics, serving as only the second Speaker of Māori descent and earning widespread respect across party lines.
Former Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe has died this morning at Rātana Pā, his family announced.
Rurawhe was Speaker in the last Labour Government’s second term and was an MP in the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate since 2014.
“Adrian Rurawhe was one of the finest people ever to sit in the New Zealand Parliament,” Labour leader Chris Hipkins said.
“He carried the mana of his people and of the Speaker’s Chair with dignity and respect. He was firm without ever needing to raise his voice, and he was universally respected across every party in the House.“
Members of every party sought his counsel because they knew it would be honest, considered, and given in confidence.
“Aotearoa is poorer for his passing, and Parliament will miss him deeply,” Hipkins said.
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