Sharon Hawke, a prominent Māori activist and community leader, has died at the age of 64.
According to a report by Stuff, the daughter of respected leaders Joe Hawke and Rene Hawke, Hawke carried forward a strong legacy of advocacy tied to Takaparawhau Bastion Point and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Over the years, she established herself as a leader in her own right, contributing significantly across media and governance sectors.
In 2020, following an apology from Stuff connected to the Tā Mātou Pono: Our Truth investigation, Hawke spoke candidly about the state of mainstream media’s portrayal of Māori. While she expressed hope for progress, she noted that meaningful change had yet to occur, Stuff has reported.
According to Stuff, she believed accountability was a necessary step toward improvement, stating, “This uncovering of the wound, every little thing matters. The more air it gets, the better it becomes,” says Hawke.
Tributes have poured in following her passing, including from Desley Simpson, who described Hawke as an “extraordinary” woman.
“Sharon worked tirelessly in the health and wellbeing space, advocating for better housing, resources, and support for whānau. She was also a passionate supporter of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and breast cancer awareness, using her voice to encourage early detection and to uplift wāhine facing their own health journeys,” she said, as quoted by Stuff.
“Her advocacy for environmental care, her willingness to challenge media bias, and her commitment to kaitiakitanga made her a powerful and respected voice for her community. Sharon leaves behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and aroha that will continue to guide and inspire,” Stuff has quoted.
Hawke is remembered as a steadfast advocate for her people and a voice for equity, whose influence will endure across generations.
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