Māori activist and leader Sharon Hawke dies

Friday, 10 April 2026

Māori activist Sharon Hawke (Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei) has died, age 64.

The daughter of Takaparawhau Bastion Point and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei leaders Joe and Rene Hawke, Sharon was a leader in her own right, with work across media and governance.

Following the apology from Stuff to Māori and Tā Mātou Pono: Our Truth investigation in 2020, Hawke told Stuff she would like to think mainstream media has changed in its reporting about Māori – but it hadn’t.

She hoped by Stuff holding itself to account for its past actions, it would help bring about much-needed change.

“This uncovering of the wound, every little thing matters. The more air it gets, the better it becomes,” says Hawke.

Deputy Auckland Mayor Desley Simpson said Hawke was 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.

“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.”