New Zealand Maori Haupoi in mourning

It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing of two much loved people, Diamond Jubilee Irimana and Ohomauri (Jossie) Ripia.

Jubilee has always been in and around hockey, and over the past few years you would have seen him on the side of a hockey field with his camera taking great action photos.  Jubilee will be missed by many and korero of this great man will be versed often over time.  Jubilee is, and has always been, Waiariki through and through and we know that past and present from this staunch haupoi rohe will be filled with sorrow and love for this loss.

Our thoughts are with the whanau.

Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne.

Haere atu ra Ohomauri (Jossie) who while living in Australia had very deep roots to Aotearoa.  A steadfast figure and matriarch of a passionate whanau who will be sorely missed but often celebrated for the joy and love that Jossie bought to her whanau.  In these testing times with the global pandemic going on we support Kahu & Joy Ripia and their whanau knowing that many will not be with Jossie in Australia.  Love is not bound by distance, it is held within ourselves forever.

Moi mai ra e te whanau hoki ki nga maatua tupuna kua wehe, haere, haere, hoki atu.

“Life is what you celebrate.”
“All of it.”
Even the end!
Credit: Joanne Harris

New Zealand Maori Haupoi wishes both whanau all the best in these trying times of grief.