WelCom February 2023
19 January 1949 – 20 April 2021
Richard Puanaki – Ngāti Kahungunu, was remembered with aroha, joy and sadness by his extensive Wairoa whānau, kin and friends, who gathered from far and wide at Taihoa Marae from 19 to 22 January. They had come together for hura kōhatu – the unveiling of Richard’s headstone – to remember and honour the life and spirit of their brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.
Tiki Te Aroha Richard Puanaki was an exceptionally gifted and generous musician, composer, scholar, teacher, educational and cultural leader, devoted family man, and a man of deep Katoriki Māori faith, which he carried throughout his life. He died of cancer aged 72 in his hometown of Wairoa, on 20 April 2021. He leaves a legacy of humour and music, reflection and culture, family and devotion, faith and resilience.
Born in Wairoa in 1949, Richard was one of 16 siblings. As a young adult, his love of Mary led him to explore a vocation as a Marist priest. However, he discerned a call to marriage and family.
Rīhari – Richard or Dick – has been described as a shining light in the Māori Catholic Church. He composed many himene and songs, with the most famous being ‘Ka Waiata ki a Maria’. The composition is now used in different Miha around the country.
The gathering for Richard’s whānau whanui (extended family) at Taihoe Marae, included a thanksgiving Mass and the Baptism of two of his moku at St Therese’s Church at Richard’s Tawhiti-a-Maru Catholic Marae, the unveiling at Wairoa cemetery, followed by a hākari (feast) with entertainment and singing by the Puanaki family at Taihoe Marae, and Sunday Mass at his beloved St Peter’s Church in Wairoa.
Richard’s brothers and sisters, his wife Lynne Te Aika and his two sons, Henare Te Aika Puanaki and Matau Te Aika Puanaki were present, together with his many cousins, nephews and nieces. The Puanaki family have inherited his musical ability, so strong waiata rang out throughout the weekend.
His brother John Puanaki welcomed everyone to St Therese’s Church for the Memorial Mass and Baptisms on Saturday 21 January.
Pā Arthur Tootle sm led the Baptisms and presided Miha with Pā Rob Devlin sm and Pā John Craddock sm. Speaking to Richard’s eldest and Christchurch-based son Henare and his wife Rhea Pā Arthur said: ‘Thank you for bringing your two boys home for Baptism. Today they will become members of God’s whānau. Share the stories with them about Rīhari and his place in this country and the Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. As they grow, help them understand they are Māori and Catholic. God has chosen them and made them part of his holy people.’
The whānau whanui then proceeded to Wairoa cemetery for the unveiling ceremony, led by Pā Rob Devlin sm. The ceremony involved blessings, and whānau and friends sharing karanga, karakia, hīmene, waiata (singing) and whaikōrero (speeches and reflections).
Henare Puanaki said, ‘Unveiling is a time to lift our sadness and to gather thoughts and memories to honour Richard’s many and generous teachings, talents and treasures he gave to the world. He was a master of forging friendships and relationships. Throughout his life Dad, Pāpā, continued to compose waiata from the elements of air, sea and light – from mountain to river to sea.’
Henare read the words from Richard’s headstone: ‘A talented, devoted, captivating, humble and beloved Rangitira, Creative, Pāpā, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many. Although dearly missed his legacy will endure through his many teachings. Nau mai rā i roto i te korowai aroha o te Atua. Composer of Ka Waiata Ki A Maria.’
After the unveiling, everyone was invited to join the whānau back at Taihoa Marae for hākari, entertainment, sharing memories, and many renditions of ‘Ka Waiata ki a Maria’.
Richard Puanaki lived up to his largely unknown name ‘tiki te aroha’, ‘seek out and spread love’.
Words and photos: Annette Scullion/WelCom
