04/08/2026
Ka nui te pōuri o ō mātou ngākau i te rongonga kua wehe atu tō tātou Matua aroha, a Matua Jeff Tekua.
Kua hinga tētahi Kauri whakahirahira. Kua hinga tētahi pou tokomanawa i tū kaha mō tōna iwi, mō ngā hapori maha, otirā mō tō tātou whānau o Ōtara. He tangata i ārahi mā te ngākau māhaki, te aroha, te mātauranga, me te manaaki. Nō ngā tekau tau maha ia e tū ana hei puna kaha, hei kaiārahi, hei kaitautoko mō te tini.
E kore rawa e taea te tatau ngā oranga i pāngia e tō mana, tō aroha, me tō ūmanga ki te manaaki i te tangata. Ka noho tonu tō taonga tuku iho hei whakaaweawe i ngā reanga e whai ake nei.
Moe mai rā, e Matua. Hoki atu rā ki ō tūpuna, ki te hunga kua mene atu ki te pō. E kore rawa e mutu ngā mihi mō ngā mea katoa i tukuna e koe ki tō iwi me ō hapori.
Moe mai rā e te rangatira. Haere, haere, haere atu rā.
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Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear Matua Jeff Tekua.
A mighty Kauri has fallen. A steadfast pou (pillar) has departed, a man who stood strong for our people, for our communities, and especially for our whānau here in Ōtara. He led not through status, but through humility, compassion, wisdom, and service. For decades, he remained a constant source of strength, guidance, and support to so many.
The lives you touched cannot be counted. Your legacy of mana, aroha, and unwavering commitment to others will continue to live on through the many people you inspired.
Rest now, Matua. Return to your ancestors and those who have gone before you. Thank you for everything you gave to our people.
Moe mai rā e te rangatira. Rest in love and eternal peace.
Photo: Our My Street NZ Neighbours 2026 Anzac Day Service
