Tame Iti made his first public appearance today since being released from prison looking happier and healthier as ever.
Tuhoe activist, Tame Iti was spotted for the first time this morning since being released from Waikeria Prison two weeks ago.
He was pictured on Hukunui Marae in the Waikato this morning.
Jailed in May last year on firearms charges, Tame Iti served nine months of a 30 month prison sentence and during that time he worked extensively on art pieces as well as improving his fitness.
He is looking much healthier and is even planning to do a half iron man distance later this year.
Speaking to Fairfax media, Tame Iti’s son, Wairere Iti, said his father “only just got [his] clothes back today and apparently they are a little bit loose in some areas and a little bit tight in others.”
“He has been training and wants to do the Iron Maori later on this year. His chest has expanded but his puku has gone down,” he said.
Wairere remarked that his Father never once felt sorry for himself while inside and instead used the time positively. He said it had been a steep learning process for his father and that Tame Iti would take the experiences and apply them to his work in Tuhoe.
While his father has always had a strong support base, Wairere says after returning from prison, support for Tame iti has been “galvanised.”
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