Key Takeaways
- Robert Phillips, a long-term employee of Te Puia, died from a medical event at The Blueys geothermal pool on Sunday night.
- Phillips was a well-respected and beloved member of the Te Puia whānau, with a history of working in the tourism sector and bringing light to those around him.
- The area where Phillips died, The Blueys, is a special and significant place that is closed to the public but has been historically used by local iwi for relaxation and recreation.
- A rāhui has been placed on the area around The Blueys until further notice, and Phillips’ funeral will be held on Friday at 10am.
- Phillips was a descendant of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Wāhiao tribal leader and chief Mita Taupopoki, and was born into a legacy of guiding and hospitality in Whakarewarewa.
Introduction to the Incident
A statement issued by Te Puia announced the death of Robert Phillips, the duty manager of Te Pō, who passed away from a medical event on Sunday night. Phillips was found unresponsive at The Blueys geothermal pool, a small warm water lake near the base of the famous Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia. The area is closed to the public, but local iwi have historically used it for relaxation and recreation. According to Te Puia chief executive Tim Cossar, The Blueys is "a special and significant place" that has been used by mana whenua to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley for many generations.
Tributes and Condolences
Phillips was a well-respected and beloved member of the Te Puia whānau, with a history of working in the tourism sector and bringing light to those around him. Hundreds of tributes have been posted online, describing Phillips as having manaakitanga (hospitality) that was unwavering and unmatched. Fellow staff members at Te Puia have commented online that they will keep his legacy alive by looking after manuhiri (visitors) in the same way he did. Phillips’ death has left a big gap in the Te Puia community, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues and friends.
The Significance of The Blueys
The Blueys is a significant place that holds a lot of cultural and historical value. According to Cossar, the area has been used by mana whenua to the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley for many generations, and Phillips knew the area well. The Blueys is also a place of great beauty, with its warm water lake and stunning geothermal surroundings. The fact that Phillips died in this special place has added to the sadness and shock of his passing, and a rāhui has been placed on the area until further notice.
Phillips’ Background and Legacy
Phillips was a descendant of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Wāhiao tribal leader and chief Mita Taupopoki, and was born into a legacy of guiding and hospitality in Whakarewarewa. According to Tūhourangi kaumātua Ngarepo Eparaima, Phillips was "born to guide" and was born into a legacy in Whakarewarewa. Phillips’ middle names reflect his whakapapa, and he was proud of his cultural heritage. His legacy will live on through the many people he touched and inspired during his time at Te Puia, and his colleagues will continue to look after manuhiri in the same way he did.
Funeral Arrangements
Phillips’ funeral notice announced that his body would be taken on his final tour through the valley, and "home" to his tupuna whare, Wahiao (Te Pakira) at Whakarewarewa, where he would lie for the remainder of his tangi. The poroporoaki (farewell speeches and songs) will be held tomorrow, and the nehu (funeral service) is scheduled for Friday at 10am. The Te Puia community will come together to pay their respects to Phillips and to celebrate his life and legacy.
Conclusion
The death of Robert Phillips has sent shockwaves through the Te Puia community, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues and friends. Phillips was a well-respected and beloved member of the Te Puia whānau, with a history of working in the tourism sector and bringing light to those around him. His legacy will live on through the many people he touched and inspired during his time at Te Puia, and his colleagues will continue to look after manuhiri in the same way he did. The Blueys, where Phillips died, is a special and significant place that holds a lot of cultural and historical value, and a rāhui has been placed on the area until further notice.
