Irish roots help drive Maori hero to fight for justice

WHEN The Pogues sang “I’m a man you don’t meet every day”, they could have been referring to the acclaimed “Irish” Maori leader, Tipene O’Regan.

Stephen, or Tipene as he’s known to most Kiwis, is a South Island New Zealander who in most recent times has led the rebuilding effort in earthquake ravaged Christchurch.

The 72-year-old has also been at the forefront of the fight for Maori rights and social justice for over 40 years and was commemorated as one of the “Twelve Local Heroes” of Christchurch in 2009, when a bronze bust of him was unveiled outside the Christchurch Arts Centre. He was also knighted in 1994.