Natural leader leaves mark in history

• Published date: 07 July 2022
• Publication title: Southland Express

Mr Austin’s journey into politics eventually earned him a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1990, a Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal (1977), and a New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

As the Awarua MP from 1975-1987, Mr Austin left his mark on history as one of New Zealand’s first Maori candidates to be elected to a general electorate parliamentary seat.

He and fellow Southland stalwart, Invercargill National MP Norman Jones made political shock waves when the pair defended their electorate by voting against their party’s Lake Manapouri legislation.

Early in Mr Austin’s political career, he served on the Maori Affairs and Island Affairs committee.

He felt strongly about the relationships between Maori and Pakeha and believed land ownership injustices should be dealt with and strongly advocated for the South Island Landless Natives Act.

Under Robert Muldoon’s leadership, he was assigned to the Under secretary of...