Respects are being paid to the late Ngati Porou leader Apirana Mahuika who is being laid to rest on the East Coast today.
The late Apirana Mahuika. Photo: Twitter / Ngati Porou
He will be buried next to his parents at the whanau urupa, Kaitaha.
Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou said thousands of manuhiri (guests) had attended Mr Mahuika's tangihanga at Rahui Marae in Tikitiki, following his death on Monday aged 80.
Delegations from many tribes had paid their respects including people from Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, Ngapuhi, and Te Tairawhiti iwi.
The Kingitanga had also been represented.
Kaikorero (speakers) had included King Tuheitia's spokespeople, Tukoroirangi Morgan, and Rahui Papa.
Apirana Mahuika led a rich life, working as an Anglican minister, teacher, scholar and chair of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou.
He was known as a staunch leader, who stood up for the rights for not only Ngati Porou but for all Maori.
