Maarire Goodall

A (brief) view ...

Biographies are challenging to write at any time. 

Even more so when they attempt to describe complex people in a few short words. And considerably harder again when the subject is your father.

Always considering himself to be principally a scientist, Maarire Charles Murray Goodall's life also included significant contributions as a philanthropist, composer, publisher, social justice champion and much more. The term Renaissance Man feels appropriate.

An intellectual giant, with a kind and compassionate heart to match, he was perpetually curious and always - but always - interested in people and their journeys. Supporting emerging talent, in any field, to find its groove and flourish was a particular passion.

Heading off to find his way in the world at age 14 with £10 in his pocket he left the mortal coil having made significant contributions in a number of diverse fields and having endowed a number of philanthropic endeavours. In his own words “lighting long fuses”.

His broad spectrum of contributions ranged from various service roles on the marae to patron of the Chicago Boys Home to the front lines of the U.S. civil rights movement with Dr Martin Luther King Jnr to the establishment of the Hugh Adams Cancer Research Unit to the foundation of the Waitangi Tribunal to the award-winning publishing of New Zealand history and the work of emerging playwrights to helping budding musicians find their instrumental voices.

My father’s contributions - in my unapologetically biased opinion - were all examples of the potential we all have to turn up and make statements that matter and, through selfless action, improve the wellbeing and opportunities of those around us.

A life well lived, one of exemplary contribution, always in service, and always wearing the warmest and kindest of smiles. What a privilege to share the journey, and the love!

Finally, and in his beloved Latin: Functus officio - June 10 2015.

Anake Goodall
June 2018

In his own words ... 

Additional views

• Te ORA - Māori Medical Practitioners Association biography

• Kōmako - A bibliography of writing by Māori in English

• Many original scientific papers, some tribal essays, and other information

• Some musical compositions (search Maarire Goodall)