We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of The Venerable Wiremu “Bill” Kaua ONZM, JP (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Horowai, Rongowhakaata, Rakaipaaka, Te Aitanga Hauiti).  

Bill has been the committed Kaumātua of Arts Access Aotearoa, a key arts sector agency which focuses on increasing access to the arts, since 2008. Within this role, Bill provided warm, wise and passionate counsel and created a legacy within Arts Access Aotearoa that will endure for years to come.  

Bill had a strong commitment to the public service with a career spanning 40 years. Over this time, Bill was a passionate advocate for te reo Māori and bringing tikanga Māori across the public sector. 

In 2018, Bill’s services were formally recognised when he became an Officer of the Order of New Zealand Merit. He was also a Justice of the Peace and an Archdeacon in Tīkanga Māori of the Anglican Church in Wellington.  

Our Manatū Taonga whānau send their deepest condolences to Bill’s wife, Doris our much-loved kaimahi, his children and extended whānau. Bill’s full obituary can be found on the Dominion Post’s website. 

Moe moe mai ra.