Labour Mourns Passing Of Takutai Tarsh Kemp

Scoop

26-06-2025

Piata mai ra a Pōhutukawa ki te rangi.
Ka tukuna atu koe ki te ara wairua, ki te ara tupuna
The Labour Party is sad to learn of the death of Takutai Tarsh Kemp.
'We are devastated at the passing of a dear friend. The thoughts of everyone here, and around Aotearoa are with Takutai's whānau,' Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
'Today, Aotearoa has lost a dedicated champion of Māori. Takutai devoted her life to serving and making a difference to the lives of whānau, hapū and iwi across the country.
'Takutai's legacy will live on in the kaupapa she fought for. She will be missed deeply,' Chris Hipkins said.
'Takutai's advocacy, unwavering commitment to te ao Māori, and her aroha for her people inspired many. Her mahi touched countless lives, and I know her loss will be deeply felt by all who knew and worked alongside her,' Peeni Henare said.
'There will be a lot of south Aucklanders who will feel this loss. Takutai turned the lives of many rangatahi around, and I am so proud of the contribution she made.'
'Takutai was a good friend, mum and nan and we mihi to her whānau. She was a beautiful soul who was a true leader in her own right, before she came into politics,' Labour Māori Caucus spokesperson Willie Jackson said.
'Her passion was paramount, her huge contribution to urban Māori was invaluable and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.'