A huge crowd including close family and friends gathered yesterday to bid their final farewell and respects to Pera Mataiapo Tutara Tapi Teremoana Taio, a well-known former Cabinet Minister and businessman who dedicated his life to the community.

The 79-year-old passed away peacefully at his home in Akaoa on Monday.

Taio was also the founder of Taio Shipping which has been the lifeline to the Pa Enua, providing essential passenger and cargo shipping services.

In a bereavement notice, his family said Taio was born on January 28, 1945 and lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication.

He had touched the lives of many with his warmth and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories, they said.

Prime Minister Mark Brown and his staff offered their condolences to the family of Papa Tapi Taio.

In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said Papa Tapi Taio was a former Cabinet Minister, served as the Member of Parliament for his home electorate of Akaoa from 1999 to 2004, and was also chairman of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) in the late 2000s.

“Papa Tapi was a consummate storyteller and lifelong optimist with a distinctive laugh and warm sense of humour,” PM Brown said.

“We recognise his services to his community and the nation as a Cabinet Minister and CIIC chairman, but he will mainly be remembered by the Cook Islands as a man who dedicated his life to providing shipping services for our Pa Enua.”

Papa Tapi was laid to rest after his funeral service at the family residence in Akaoa, Arorangi.