South Waikato iwi Ngati Raukawa are mourning the death of tribal stalwart Emare Nikora, who helped start Tokoroa's first kohanga reo in 1986.
Mrs Nikora was also a founder of the Raukawa Trust Board and the iwi's radio station.
She was awarded a Queens Service Medal for services to Maori.
Homai Uerata, a kaipapaho at the radio station, says Mrs Nikora was involved in all aspects of Maori development, but the reo held a special place in her heart.
Waatea News reports Mrs Nikora is lying at Maungatautari marae.
