Robert CONSEDINE Obituary

Kia ora Trish and whanau
Arohanui and condolences on the passing of Robert (Bob) one of Aotearoa's great fighters for justice. I remember meeting Bob and you when I was a student at Lincoln College in 1971 and was involved with you all in Corso, Youth East Pakistan Appeal and many other activities. Bob helped in my growth as a fighter for social justice and I will never forget our many discussions with him and others at your house near QE II. A life well lived in the service of others. Nga mihi nui

Dear Trish, Joanna , Bernadette and extended whanau, sending my aroha and thoughts to you all in this time of such sadness and loss. A huge presence in your lives, the lives of the mokopuna, mine and so many others that will leave an enduring gap.
I am so very grateful for shared experiences, working together and joyful moments.
Kia kaha to you all.
Suzanne ( from France)

Profound condolences to Trish and Consedine whanau, have just heard the sad news about Bob. I remember working with Bob back in 1976 when he was the Canterbury Area organizer for CORSO. when I started working with Trade Aid, for a while we shared a cold, draughty old wooden, ex-church building in Barbadoes Street which I think had been 'condemned' by the City Council. John Curnow , Michael Malloch and others would come in for a cup of tea, all clustered around a tiny gas-heater and robust discussions would ensue.
I had also been at school (St. Bede's ) during his time there in 1950's, but we were in a different form , so I didn't know him well then.
deepest sympathy.
Kevin & Christene O'Connor
Hamurana
Bay of Plenty

My deepest sympathy to Trish and family. I had the pleasure of looking after Robert for a short time. Wow what a gentleman. Rip you won't be forgotten.

You were a man of many sound words, a carrier of us Maori people. I always enjoyed being in your presence and often thought how you made Te Tiriti o Waitangi sound greater sense than many would consider it to be. Blessed are the works you have done. Ma te Atua koe e manaaki to warua -rere atu rere pai rere runga rawa e. Love to the whanau.

Maata Wharehoka
Parihaka Papakainga
Taranaki

My husband, David Minifie, and I have very fond memories of Robert who was a member of the Christchurch Parihaka Committee. He gave me some wonderful resources so that I could understand the historical significance of what happened in Parihaka and in Dunedin. His book "Healing our History" with his daughter Joanna is an important contribution to understanding important issues in our Aotearoa NZ history. I am so sad that I missed his farewell. Go well, dear Robert. Arohanui Na Deborah Williams

So sorry to hear of Bobs death and my deepest sympathy to you Trish and all the family. Fond memories of CYM days and many others over the years. I am in Wellington until the 20th and sorry to have missed the funeral.
Blessings
Peter Brown

With sadness I heard of Bob's death. I first met Bob in the mid 80s when and then later through Te Tiriti work. I have just spent a couple of hours over a beer with Phil Connor who posted an earlier memory here. It is a blessing that two of us in Coffs Harbour in Australia had connections with Bob and his tireless work for social justice. We were able to share a number of memories and stories of Bob (including times we disagreed.) He was a very special man and although I cannot be there in person, I am honoured to say we raised a glass to you Bob. We remembered you in the Irish tradition you were such a proud member of. Haere, haere, haere e hoa. Na, bruce meder

Your footsoldiers Kerry with Pat from Ahuriri Napier will endeavour to promote Healing our History. and ensure what you did so well, A 2 Day Treaty Of Waitangi Workshop with evaluation will continue.
What else Robert !!!!

Our sincere condolences go out to Trish and the family for your loss of Robert.
Leone and I were privileged to have worked with Robert in community development in the 1980's and project Waitangi in the 1990's.
We experienced Roberts professional skills in process and empowerment with his insightful relaxed and earthy style along with his booming laughter and enthusiastic engagement.
Robert was a warrior for social justice. He will leave an enduring memory in Aotearoa and beyond for his tireless work in addressing issues of poverty, injustice, economic inequality and notably his education work with the Te Tiriti o Waitangi as assisted by his wife Trish. The ultimate commitment was to Tino Rangatiratanga, Maori sovereignty.
Robert is remembered by us as a giant of a man with a big legacy, a kind man with a big heart, an authentic family man with an amazing whanau.
Robert has been a source of inspiration for us, as his life was grounded in faith, peace and justice as captured in his writing and reflections.
In his own words Robert honoured his " Irish ancestors and Indigenous peoples in their centuries of struggle for justice."
We will miss him.
Nga mihi nui
Phil & Leone Connor ( living in Australia)

E Matua, I'm so sorry to hear of your passing. While I knew you only briefly, I esteem you as my inspirational and Tangata Tiriti forefather.
Your putting to good use the history books will not be forgot.
Arohanuinui.

My sincerest condolences to Trish and the family.
Robert was an absolute influence and inspiration...what a pleasure is was to meet him and share our thoughts and experiences.

Our deepest sympathies to you all. We remember Robert for his friendship particularly for the time we were living in Christchurch and our participation in the Community. Bonds formed then are everlasting. May he rest in peace

The Neville whanau extend to our southern family our condolences and deep sadness at the passing of Robbie. We have many shared years throughout the decades in the south and at Wolverton Rd. Much love Jeanette & families

E aroha nui atu ana ki a koutou i tenei wa a Trish ratou ko Joanna, ko Bernadette ko Marsie me te whanau pani katoa. I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Robert - a mighty totara has fallen.
I am thinking of you all and will light my memory candle (that Marsie gave me when my beloved papa passed) on Thursday night and Friday morning.
The mahi Robert did to build understanding and closer relationships between Tiriti partners is a testament to the incredible man that he was. He inspired me to remain strong and lean into uncomfortable spaces. Healing our History will continue to honour the mahi he was so passionate about - what an amazing legacy
Me te aroha tino nui atu, Angie Kirk

To the extended Consedine Whanau I send my condolences and love on the passing of Robert, your very deeply loved and treasured family member. Sending thoughts to you all, but especially those closest to me personally; Marie, Kerry, Emma, Anna and Bernadette - and your children. xx