The governor-general has paid tribute to Ngati Tuwharetoa leader Timoti Morehu te Heuheu.
Mr te Heuheu, 68, died early Thursday in Waikato Hospital.
He was married to former cabinet minister Georgina te Heuheu and was the younger brother of paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu.
Governor-General, Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae says Timi te Heuheu was one of Maoridom's elder statesmen who worked in the background quietly and with great skill to build relationships between Ngati Tuwharetoa and other iwi, as well as between Maori and the Crown.
He says Mr te Heuheu's wise counsel will be greatly missed.
Timi te Heuheu is lying in state in the tribal meeting house at Waihi Pa on the southern shore of Lake Taupo.
Hundreds of mourners visited the marae on Friday to pay their respects, and several thousand more are expected over the weekend.
Mr te Heuheu's funeral service will be held at the pa on Monday at 11am.
