A prominent iwi leader from Northland is being remembered for his big heart and gift at oratory.

Haydn​ Edmonds​, the former chairman of Ngātiwai Trust Board, died recently after a long illness.

Edmonds “led from the front” for many years, as chairman for 11 years and a long-standing trustee representative of Punaruku Marae, said Ngātiwai Trust Board chief executive Hūhana​ Lyndon.

“He had a big heart for his people and big personality,” she said.

READ MORE:
* Northland drought: Defence Force rolls into Kaitaia to help with water distribution
* Ngātiwai introduces cultural management at Whangārei’s Mimiwhangata Marine Park
* The Russian billionaire, the endangered duck, and the promised public access that remains elusive

She expressed deep sympathy to Edmonds’ wife, children and young mokopuna for their loss.

Current chairman Aperahama Edwards said Edmonds served the iwi to the best of his abilities.

“A great kauri has fallen and the tides of Ngātiwai are in mourning. Haydn had a big heart and was a gifted orator,” Edwards said.

Lyndon said Edmonds was very business-minded and was always forging new relationships in the commercial space for Ngātiwai.

He also helped push regional economic development for Northland as chairman of Te Kahu o Taonui​, Taitokerau’s iwi chairs collective.

Lyndon admitted she personally had some challenges with Edmonds, but said everyone got in behind the iwi for its wellbeing.

The trust and Punaruku Marae now have a big gap to fill, she said.

Poor weather on Monday and the large number of people meant Edmonds’ service had to be moved from his home to Whangārei’s Terenga Parāoa Marae on Monday, Lyndon said.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, at the Latter Day Saints Whangārei Chapel.