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Tributes from the New Zealand community and beyond have flooded following the death of former Cook Islands Prime Minister Dr Joe Williams of Covid-19.
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The prominent physician, who was 80 years old, died last night in Auckland Hospital, and was described by our Foreign Minister as a “dedicated and passionate man”. Source: 1 NEWS
Dr Williams, who was admitted to Auckland City Hospital on August 13, became the second person to die of Covid-19 in New Zealand in the past two days.
Jacinda Ardern said today that she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Dr. Williams, who died at the age of 82.
“He was a valued and important member of the Cook Islands community. He obviously had an important role in politics, but he also served his community for several years through the medical profession, “he said.
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Dr. Joe Williams died last night, aged 82. Source: 1 NEWS
“It is concerning to have Covid and that ultimately serves as a stark and sad reminder of how deadly this virus is and can be.”
“And of course no one wanted a reminder of that, it’s a lesson we’ve already learned and we must continue to do everything we can to prevent anyone else in the community from being taken away.”
Along with Ms Ardern, Grant Robertson, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Jenny Salesa and Niue Prime Minister His Excellency. Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi, all expressed their condolences via Twitter.
“Dr. Joe was such an influential leader in the Cook Islands community, and in the health sector in general. Highly respected, my thoughts and aroha go out to his family,” said Grant Robertson.
Winston Peters issued a statement saying that Dr. Williams was an “enduring example of a Cook Islander.”
“Dr. Williams, former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, has made a very significant contribution to both his home countries through a lifetime of service,” Peters said.
“Dr. Williams was a dedicated and passionate man. He was an enduring example of a Cook Islander who came to New Zealand for an education and then made a real difference in his chosen career. “
“His family and the people of the Cook Islands should be proud of all that he accomplished.”
