Greens farewell Merata Mita

The Green Party today paid tribute to the life and work of Merata Mita.

“Merata Mita was a leading New Zealand and Māori filmmaker who helped us to understand our country better. It was with great sadness that we learnt of her tragic and sudden passing,” said Green MP Kevin Hague.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her whānau and the people of Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāi Te Rangi at this difficult time.

“I would like to pay tribute to her passion and commitment to making this country a better place. Her films were ground-breaking in addressing issues of racism and social justice in Aotearoa.

“Her work changed the way New Zealanders of every colour view our country and our history. I would like to thank her for that, she was an inspiration to many of us fighting for change and she will be deeply missed.

“I personally got to know Merata in 1981, when she interviewed me about the impending Springbok Tour, for her film ‘Patu’. I found her to be passionate and courageous, but also forgiving and generous, and we became good friends. She also made great films!

“It was an honour to have known her,” said Mr Hague.