We were sad to hear of the passing of Rei Tukupai Rakatau (Ng?ti Haua) on the 24th August 2010. Rei was an inaugural Kaum?taua for the New Zealand Film Commission in the 1980s, providing spiritual and tikanga guidance. Rei also provided cultural guidance and support for the Mana Waka film, based on footage shot by Jim Manley, of felling Kauri for the carving of Waka in 1940. The film was directed by Merata Mita and edited by Annie Collins, and premiered in 1990.
Rei was 81 years old and is survived by his seven sons and daughters and his second wife Adrianne.