I write with sadness to let you know of the passing of my fellow artist friend David Cameron who left us here in Gisborne on 1 September. David was the recipient of the Arts Access Artistic Achievement Award in 2016 and it was my privilege to attend his tangi at Pakowhai Marae as Kaumātua for Arts Access Aotearoa.

At his funeral service I took the opportunity to acknowledge David and his achievements. Many who knew him were surprised to hear of the award because David never spoke of such things. That was his way - he lived with humility, never boasting of what he had done even though his artistic talents were many and his contributions immense. After the service several people came to me and expressed their gratitude that this side of David’s life had been recognised.

David was a man of many skills, a potter, ceramist, painter, leather worker and mentor to others. Above all he will be remembered for his kowhaiwhai mahi. Over 12 years he dedicated himself almost single-handedly to painting the kowhaiwhai inside Te Poho o Hiraina, the wharenui at Pakowhai Marae, Waituhi. It was fitting then that this whare, filled with his artistry and aroha, became the place where he lay for his final farewell service.

David’s journey in the arts began after a serious accident in 1977 that left him paralysed. Through his rehabilitation he found new purpose in creative expression, teaching himself carving and painting and building a life around art. His work on Te Poho o Hiraina brought great mana to David, to his whānau and to our wider community.

When David received the Artistic Achievement Award in 2016 the judges said that his “commitment, passion, achievements and contribution to mahi toi shine like a beacon across Aotearoa New Zealand.” I could not agree more.

David was a personal friend, a humble and generous man and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but his legacy lives on in the whare he adorned and in the hearts of his whānau, friends and community.