The death of Mahinarangi Tocker was marked yesterday with a minute's silence in Parliament, and tributes from people of many walks of Kiwi life.
One of New Zealand's most talented and prolific singer/songwriters left us yesterday - peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.
Tocker achieved much in her 52 years, including writing almost 600 songs, which lead to the government recognising her contribution to New Zealand music by awarding her the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Years Honours 2008 - an award she was scheduled to receive in a special ceremony today. Along her musical journey, she made many friends and fans, especially amongst the LGBT community, which she always said she was proud to be a part of.
"There are few people I've known who could outdo me in the minority stakes," Philip Patston's tribute begins. "She trumped me well and truly - my gay, disabled, vegetarian comedian status could never beat her place as a Maori, lesbian, crazy (her words) musician. And she was a comedian as well, really - her humour knew no bounds. Though our paths crossed too few times, when they did it was always hilarious.
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