Honoured Bay kaumatua has died

Ngati Pukenga kaumatua Monty Ohia. Photo/file

A highly regarded Tauranga and Bay of Plenty kaumatua has passed away.

Ngati Pukenga chief Monty Rereamomo Ohia died in his Welcome Bay home yesterday afternoon, age 94.

He was surrounded by family and friends, with some people travelling from "all over the world" to be by his side, said close family friend Awanui Black.

Mr Ohia was highly involved in establishing Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou, Tauranga Moana's first total emersion school.

Because of his high regard as chief of Ngati Pukenga, Mr Ohia was acknowledged as one of three people to represent all tribes from the Bay of Plenty area.

Mr Black said kaumatua Ohia was down to earth, full of humour and "cheeky as."

"Not only was he a great chief, but he was pretty well loved by his own." said Mr Black.

"If you were ever fortunate enough to see him with his whanau, you could see a great love."

Mr Ohia will be taken to Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae where his tangi will be held on Friday.