A tangi or funeral for a Ngapuhi policeman is expected to happen within the next few days.
Paddy Whiu, aged 62, died on Sunday after a short illness.
The Northland iwi liaison officer is being remembered for the way he brought peace between protesters and the police.
He served the police for 41 years.
The National Manager of Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, Superintendent Wally Haumaha, says Sergeant Whiu took Maori-Police relationships to a whole new level.
He says the epitome of that association came to the fore in 2004 during the Foreshore and Seabed hikoi when five Maori police officers escorted the march from Northland down to Parliament.
Superintendent Haumaha says at the end of that hikoi the organisers asked Paddy Whiu to lead the closing karakia or prayer.
He says for Sergeant Whiu to be given that privilege was a sign that finally there was mutual respect between Maori and the police.
Paddy Whiu's body is lying in state at Kaingahoa Marae in Kaikohe.
