The funeral of former Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia will now take place on Saturday at 10am.
It had been scheduled for Friday.
The people of Te Aitanga a Hauiti are preparing to welcome more than 1000 manuhiri (visitors) to their marae in Tolaga Bay, north of Gisborne, for Mr Horomia's tangihanga.
Hauiti Marae spokesperson Wayne Ngata said Mr Horomia's body will lie in state at the marae from Wednesday.
However the funeral has been shifted from Friday to Saturday morning.
Parekura Horomia. Photo: LABOUR PARTY
Mr Horomia, 62, died on Monday at his home at Mangatuna, in Tolaga Bay, surrounded by his whanau.
Wayne Ngata, who is of Te Aitanga A Hauiti, Ngati Porou and Ngati Ira descent, said six marae in Tolaga Bay are helping out, along with marae across Te Tai Rawhiti (Gisborne region).
He said Parekura Horomia would not want anyone making a big fuss, but Hauiti Marae wants to honour him because he had given his all to his people.
Mr Ngata said the marae will follow Mr Horomia's wishes by making sure everyone is looked after and fed, however many people attend.
He said people from around the country will travel to the funeral because Mr Horomia worked with many different tribes.
Mr Ngata said members of the Labour Party's caucus will begin arriving on Wednesday.
Maori Party representatives are expected on Thursday, and the National Party said its caucus, along with the Prime Minister, will be at Hauiti on Friday.
Mr Ngata said Mr Horomia was a family man who encouraged people to look after their marae and continue the work of their ancestors.
He said Mr Horomia was respected for carrying out the wishes of his tupuna (old people).
And the Maori King will lead a contingent from Waikato-Tainui to the tangi at Hauiti Marae on Wednesday.
King Tuheitia has paid tribute to Mr Horomia, describing him as a quiet confidante and source of strength.
He said the long-serving Labour Party MP was a tireless supporter of Kingitanga and tino rangatiratanga.
Mr Horomia - a widower - is survived by his three sons and one grandchild.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon said he knew Mr Horomia from childhood, when his family were customers at Mr Foon's family's business.
He said Mr Horomia was dedicated to his family and his community, worked tirelessly and would often travel through the night to be at a tangi or community event.
Mr Horomia traced his whakapapa to Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngati Kahungunu and Ngai Tahu.
