Former Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe has died following a recent illness, his family announced this morning.
Rurawhe, who represented Te Tai Hauāuru from 2014 and served as Speaker during the second term of the former Labour Government, was remembered by his family as a deeply loved son, brother, uncle, grandfather and mokopuna.
In a statement announcing his death, the family said they were slowly coming to terms with a loss felt not only within the family but also by Te Haahi Ratana, his iwi Ngāti Apa and Whanganui, and his former colleagues in Parliament, where he served until January 2026. Rurawhe was the grandson of former MPs Matiu TW Ratana and Iriaka Ratana and maintained strong connections with Ratana Pā throughout his life.
His family said he will lie in state at Whangaehu Marae before his burial at Ngā Puketuurua, Ratana Pā, with further details to be announced.
Shocking news this morning. Only 7 years older than me. Condolences to his family.
Also this morning a young 13 year old lad in mt roskill, from thrombocytopenia- a known side effect of the Covid vaccine. So sad.
All these deaths. This is NOT normal.