Trevor Howse

Trevor Hapi Howse QSM (24 September 1931 – 12 May 2017) was a New Zealand Ngāi Tahu researcher and iwi leader.^[1][2]

Trevor House QSM
Howse in 2013
Born	(1931-09-24)24 September 1931 Kaikōura, New Zealand
Died	12 May 2017(2017-05-12) (aged 85) Christchurch, New Zealand
Occupation	Ngāi Tahu leader

Early life

Howse grew in a public works camp before moving with his family to Tuahiwi near Christchurch for tuberculosis treatment for his mother; due to her incapacity, he was largely responsible for his siblings. He attended Rangiora High School^[3] where he learnt farming skills. After school he did several jobs, including the freezing works, the railway and shearing, eventually rising up the ranks of a supermarket warehouse.^[1]

Ngāi Tahu leadership

Howse's interest in and knowledge of the workings of the Māori Land Court, led to a job as a researcher on the Ngāi Tahu claim, one of the first claims before the Waitangi Tribunal. He was also a principal negotiator of the settlement with the Crown that followed.^[4] Howse continued Ngāi Tahu roles, including membership of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Trust Board.^[1]

Howse was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal, for services to Māori and conservation, in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours.^[5][6] He died on 12 May 2017 in the Christchurch suburb of St Albans.^[6]