The tumuaki of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi - which Dr Pita Sharples was instrumental in starting - says the MP's leadership will continue after he stands down.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has announced he will step down from the leadership to help turn the party's fortunes around.
Dr Sharples will continue as Minister for Maori Affairs for now, and leave Parliament at the next election.
Rawiri Wright from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi Marae, said Dr Sharples' day in Parliament may be over, but his service to Maori as a whole is not.
He said his contribution to the revitalisation of Te Reo Maori and Maori education has been significant and doubts it will finish here.
Mr Wright said he looks forward to Dr Sharples' contribution to the on-going development of the west Auckland community after next year's election.
