Former Deputy Mayor John Klaricich remembered for a lifetime of service

Far North District Council is acknowledging the passing of former Deputy Mayor John Klaricich CNZM QSO, a respected Hokianga kaumatua whose decades of service to local government, Māori heritage and community organisations helped shape the Far North.

According to his obituary, Klaricich died peacefully at home on Friday 9 October, aged 94. Born in Ōmāpere, he dedicated much of his life to serving his community, with strong connections to the whenua, marae and people of Hokianga.

Mayor Moko Tepania says Klaricich’s passing will be keenly felt across the region.

“Moe mai rā koe ki ngā ringa mahana o te Atua e te rangatira. Papa John spent a lifetime in service to our people and his loss will be keenly felt across Hokianga and the Far North.”

John Klaricich served as Deputy Mayor of the Far North District Council from 1998 to 2004, following a long career in local government and community leadership in the Hokianga. Throughout his decades of public service, he championed stronger connections between local communities and council decision-making. `

Through his work with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, including as chair of its Māori Heritage Committee, he also helped ensure Māori perspectives were reflected in the protection and recognition of New Zealand’s historic places.

Klaricich’s contribution to the Far North extended well beyond local government. A farmer throughout his working life, he also held a range of roles supporting marae, Māori heritage, conservation and education.

He was a trustee for Waiwhatawhata, Kokohuia and Pākanae marae, and chaired Waiwhatawhata Marae and the local Māori reservation cemetery. His work also included involvement with the Waitangi National Trust Board, the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the Historic Places Trust’s Māori Heritage Committee.

His connection with education included 16 years of service to Ōpononi Area School as secretary and chairperson. He also contributed to planning decisions for the council through reports and his involvement in local environmental and heritage initiatives.

Klaricich’s passing marks the loss of a kaumatua whose mahi reflected a longstanding commitment to his community, its history and its future.

The council extends its deepest condolences to his whānau, friends and all those who worked alongside him or benefited from his service.

The council flag will be flown at half-mast on Tuesday 13 October, the day of his funeral, as a mark of respect for his life and contribution to the Far North.

Klaricich will lie in state at Te Kaiwaha Marae, Waiwhatawhata, until 8.45am on Tuesday 13 October. He will then be taken to St Luke’s Church, Pākanae, for a service at 9.00am, followed by burial at Rōiho Urupā, Pākanae, at 10.45am.

Moe mai rā, e te rangatira.

Rest peacefully, esteemed leader.