Kaumatua and leader Piri Sciascia dies

Piri Sciascia Photo: Victoria University of Wellington via RNZ
Piri Sciascia. Photo: Victoria University of Wellington via RNZ
Revered kaumātua and leader Piri Sciascia of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu has died at the age of 73.

Most recently, he has been the adviser and kaumātua to the Governor-General, being a guide for international dignitaries, heads of states and royals visiting Aotearoa.

Before that, he was deputy vice chancellor at Victoria University for 16 years.

He was also a stalwart in the arts and kapa haka - being the founder of Tamatea Arikinui, Ngāti Kahungunu's oldest kapa haka group.

He was also the driving force behind the watershed Te Māori exhibition in 1984.

Prof Sciascia will be taken to his marae in Porangahau tomorrow.

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