Farewell Peho Tamiana Meihana-Tait

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Peho Tamiana Meihana-Tait, our kaumātua at the Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa.

As our kaumātua since 2012, Peho guided our board and staff through our interactions with Te Ao Māori. His wisdom, honesty and integrity were a gift to all who encountered him.

"Personally, I looked up to Peho as my koro.  In my eyes, he was a giant. And I will be forever grateful that he slowed his stride so that I could keep pace and hear the wind at the top of this mighty tōtara," said Ric Cullinane, chief executive of the Commission.

While always humble, Peho's achievements speak for themselves, and all New Zealanders are better off for his legacy. Peho led the first team to build tracks and trails for the public in Te Urewera, and shared his memories of this time last year. His knowledge of traditional Māori routes was immense, and his belief in the ability for public access to connect people with whenua was paramount in all that he did.

Moe mai ra e te rangatira, moe mai, moe mai.