Derek HOWELL Obituary

On behalf of Anna Sage, my warmest regards and so sorry for your lost.

Derek joined the HR team at Te Puni Kokiri a couple of years back. He worked with the team up until very recently. Like the comments at his service today, few would have known he was ill at all. A lovely service. Very hard not to well up with the heart-felt tributes from family and friends. Even though short, I am glad I got to know Derek. From some of the comments, I think we enjoyed a much more mellow Derek..he was, after all, the most 'reasonable' person. Then again, our work was more collaborative than adversary. I enjoyed our one-on-ones. He spoke often of his family, so its been nice to put faces to names. Clearly he loved his family now I understand why his following of Covid was so driven by its impact on when he could travel. Derek is certainly someone I will remember. Love to the family.

Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Peter and Lois Havill

Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane
A mighty totara has fallen in the forest of Tane
Haere ra Derek

I remember Derek fondly from our days at FACS, and beyond. Not quite sure how to comprehend this news. He was a funny, sometimes loud guy, and he did a lot for the sector despite numerous challenges. In many ways he was a one-man team, doing whatever it took to achieve what needed to happen. I know you will be missed by many. We'll meet again big guy, but in the meantime haere r

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time

I along with a number of colleagues remember his sharp wit but affection for the art of HR and wanting to do and be our best. Rest well e hoa.