PETER TE RANGI HĪROA RAMSDEN
The following is in recognition of the contribution of Peter Te Rangi Hīroa Ramsden, who passed away in early February 2021, to the formulation and development of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Geopark and his friendship and guidance over the last decade.
Penned by Geopark Director Sam Hampton
INSPIRATIONAL BEGINNINGS
The journey of Peter and the Geopark began with a sharing of stories at Kawatea / Little Okains Bay in 2012. Peter elegantly told of the arrival of Māori at Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū, and the landing of Moki in the migrational waka, Makawhiu, and regaled the pūrākau of the formation of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū. Following Peter, I spoke using another lens: the geological formation of Banks Peninsula, from its volcanic past to its connection with the mainland and through to its then-recent shaky episodes. What was evident within both telling’s was the overlap of knowledge. This sparked the concept for Peter of an “indigenous Geopark” where mana whenua is at the heart, connecting people to places via stories, whatever the lens. At Kawatea that day in 2012, it was evident how the two telling’s provided a richness and a greater appreciation. It was following this event at Kawatea that Peter and I led the korero in the development of the Geopark.
MAHI
Peter’s mahi and investigations into the Geopark led to an MOU between Papatipu rūnanga and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu for collaborative investigations. Peter initiated and supported various hui, he was a working group member, and a founding Trustee. Peter’s character extended across all barriers and brought together communities and organisations, a trait apparent in his interactions with all he encountered. With a quick quip he defused situations, or with a sharp prod or email a meeting would occur and actions result. Due to ill health Peter stepped down from the Geopark Trust in 2018, but he continued to advocate for the Geopark until his passing.
WISDOM AND GUIDANCE
It was a great pleasure of mine, and an academic highlight, to have co-authored an international conference presentation with Peter and with my father, Nigel (also a Geopark Trustee), in 2019. The relationship and friendship between Peter and Nigel provided a cornerstone for the Geopark, one built on mutual respect and trust, which Peter also kindly extended to me. The time he personally gave to me, the students working alongside me, and those around him was greatly appreciated, respected, and cherished. Peter’s guidance, advice, and friendship has shaped the development of the Geopark. Much of his wisdom, knowledge, and advice are embedded within the approaches, development, and values of the Geopark.
Peter’s knowledge, relationships, kind heartedness, and humour have left a wealth of imprints on people and place throughout Banks Peninsula and beyond. With his passing we lose a great man; but the Geopark Trust and I, amongst many others, will strive to continue his visions, values, collaborations and further his legacy.
Nāku noa, nā
Sam Hampton (PhD)
Director of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Geopark