Dr Sydney (Hirini) Melbourne sadly passed away today (Jan 6th, 2002) after a long battle with cancer at his family home in Hamilton today (Monday, January 6th, 2003). He is survived by his wife Jan, daughters Mahina and Maia, grandchildren Amokura and Manukaimiro.

No reira moe mai ra e te Rangatira i roto te ngakau o te Atua.Dr Sydney (Hirini) Melbourne sadly passed away today (Jan 6th, 2002) after a long battle with cancer at his family home in Hamilton today (Monday, January 6th, 2003). He is survived by his wife Jan, daughters Mahina and Maia, grandchildren Amokura and Manukaimiro.

No reira moe mai ra e te Rangatira i roto te ngakau o te Atua.Hirini was a gifted composer and songwriter, expert musician (especially in the realms of Maori instruments), academic (Hirini held the
position of Professor in the School of Pacific and Maori Studies at Waikato University), intellectual and gentleman. The contribution he has made to Maoridom and the influence he has had on people is immeasurable. Tuhoe, Maoridom and Aotearoa has suffered a huge loss.
Hirini was a member of our Assessment panel here at Creative New Zealand. He was the winner of the Te Waka Toi Supreme Award Tohi Tikitiki in July 2002 for his outstanding contribution to the arts of Aotearoa. He would be missed by all that knew him.

The family will keep Hirini in state overnight in Hamilton and then leave for Ruatoki tomorrow (Tuesday). The tangihanga will be held in
Ruatoki on Wednesday.

Kei te hahae te tau o te ate, kei te hotu te whatumanawa,
kei te paatuki te taaraauma, kei te mooteatea ngaa mahara moo koutou,
mo nga tangata o te motu ka huri kaaweka nei.

He aitua. Kua hinga tëtahi o nga totara o te wao nui o Te Urewera.
E te rangatira Hirini haere haere haere
Hoki atu koe ki o maunga, ki to tipuna kuia a Hinepukohurangi,
Ki o koawa, ki o koroua, kuia

Ki te tini me te mano
E tatari mai ana mou.
I oti i a koe nga mahi taumata, nga mahi rangatira mo te paenga a to iwi.

Na reira takoto mai, moe mai ra

How the strings of our hearts are torn, how our hearts weep, our breasts heave with emotion, our minds grieve for you, for the people of this land, as finally you turn away from us

Death has fallen. A great totara has fallen from the forest of the Urewera. Depart Hirini, return to your mountains, to your valleys, to your ancestress Hinepukohurangi - the mist maiden. Return to the hundreds and thousands of people who await your final resting place. You have left your mark, your legacy with thousands of people

Rest in peace

Associate Minister of Arts, Heritage and Culture Judith Tizard pays tribute

"Dr Hirini Melbourne was a great New Zealander, a distinguished scholar and artist, and one of the most important Maori musicians in a generation," said Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard.

Judith Tizard said Dr Sydney (Hirini) Melbourne, who passed away on Monday at his family home in Hamilton after a long battle with cancer, made an enormous contribution to New Zealand's cultural landscape.

"The range and depth of Hirini's knowledge and activities in Maori language, music, literature and historical research is formidable. Among his many achievements, he composed wonderful songs in te reo Maori for both adults and children, served on arts boards, and contributed to film soundtracks and contemporary Maori albums.

"Hirini has done so much to encourage and support new generations of Maori to appreciate, respect and participate in their culture. He has the gratitude of all New Zealanders for his outstanding work in preserving and promoting traditional Maori music and musical instruments, ensuring that this knowledge is not lost to us.

"Hirini participated at every level of cultural life. He was generous to students and fellow artists and he made a profound contribution to te reo, music and film."

Dr Melbourne (Tuhoe, Ngati Kahungunu) was a board member of the New Zealand Film Commission and the New Zealand Music Industry Commission, and served as an assessor for Te Waka Toi and the Arts Board of Creative New Zealand over many years.

"Hirini made an enormous contribution to the work of these arts boards. His significant cultural knowledge and expertise has been of great benefit and he leaves the cultural sector richer and deeper through his work," said Judith Tizard.

In 2002 the University of Waikato awarded Dr Melbourne its highest honour, an honorary doctorate, in recognition of his contribution to the University as a Dean and Associate Professor in the School of Maori and Pacific Development.

He also received the prestigious 2002 Te Tohu Tiketiki a Te Waka Toi/Te Waka Toi Exemplary Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to Maori arts and culture.

In the 2003 New Year Honours, Dr Melbourne was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori language, music and culture.

"Hirini was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by his whanau and friends as well as the many thousands of New Zealanders whose lives he has enriched.

"My sympathy goes to his wife Jan, daughters Mahina and Maia, and grandchildren Amokura and Manukaimiro at this sad time."

Contact: Gemma Gracewood (Judith Tizard's office) - 04 471 9871 or 021 375 510