Ricky Houghton was a welfare champion and Northland community hero who died on July 18, 2022.

Houghton worked tirelessly to better the lives of those in need.

What type of cancer did Ricky Houghton have?

He died at the age of 62 after a battle with type 4 cancer at home.

He died on Monday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.

Houghton has developed a unique housing development in Kaitaia over the last ten years, salvaging more than 50 ex-state homes from Auckland to build a town for individuals who lived there to become owners.

His housing advocacy Mahi earned him New Zealand’s Community hero award in 2018.

Houghton oversaw the He Korowai Trust in Kaitaia, which assisted thousands of Northlanders in finding secure, inexpensive homes and jobs.

He referred to it as “the final resort” for those in difficulty. He saved hundreds of homes in the Far North from foreclosure.

His own upbringing was not easy; as a child in state custody, he was subjected to brutal torture and hours of shock therapy.