AUCKLAND: A prominent New Zealand activist priest has been farewelled today in Auckland.
Father Terry Dibble, 78, died on Easter Sunday and his life was remembered at St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland.
Among those to pay tribute to him at the service were Auckland Mayor Len Brown and Pat Snedden, former chairman of Auckland District Health Board.
Father Dibble was best known for being in the front row of a group of anti-Springbok tour protesters that surged into the middle of Rugby Park in Hamilton during the Waikato v Springboks match in 1981.
He also played a part in the occupation of Bastion Point by Ngati Whatua, and supported the struggle for independence in East Timor.
He was also an advocate of free speech, a stalwart in Philippine Solidarity and supported a nuclear-free Pacific.
A group of Ngati Whatua were in the crowded cathedral to farewell Father Dibble along with independent Maori MP Hone Harawira and many people the priest had helped in a lifetime of devotion to social justice.
Today the Green Party expressed its sorrow at his death.
"Father Terry Dibble was a truly dedicated social justice leader who contributed a lifetime of work for the recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," said Catherine Delahunty, Green Party MP.
"Terry stood alongside Ngati Whatua ki Orakei throughout the land rights campaign for the return of Takaparawha and was a powerful advocate for Treaty justice in the church and wider communities.
"Terry was also on the front line of the anti-apartheid movement during the Springbok tour, and supported international justice issues such as the struggle for independence in East Timor."
Father Dibble also worked for the homeless people of Auckland and was involved in many community and youth justice projects. - Pacific Media Watch/Television New Zealand
Carol Archie's profile on Father Terry Dibble
Pacific Media Watch
