Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, arriving at Huria Marae to pay his respects to Dr Morehu Ngatoko Rahipere. Photo/George Novak
The Māori King has been welcomed on to Tauranga's Huria Marae with a moving haka powhiri.
Kiingi Tuheitia spent yesterday at the marae in Judea to pay respects to Dr Morehu Ngatoko Rahipere, leader and elder of Ngāti Ranginui, who passed away on Tuesday.
Dr Ngatoko Rahipere was brought to Huria Marae yesterday morning where he would lay in state until his funeral service on Friday, before being taken to his final resting place at Motuōpae.
The haka powhiri was performed by local men and students from Tauranga Boys' College. Students from Tauranga Girls' College and Te Wharekura o Mauao were also present.
Kingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said Dr Ngatoko Rahipere had been a caretaker for the Poukai, an annual series of visits by the Māori King, for more than 50 years.
"The Kingitanga (the Māori King movement) has a very strong relationship with Tauranga Moana and Morehu was part and parcel of that relationship," he said.
A spokesperson for Dr Ngatoko Rahipere's family, Charlie Rahiri, expected thousands of people to visit the marae over the next two days.
"He was just so loved," Rahiri said.
Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan said Dr Ngatoko Rahipere's passing was a "great loss" to the school.
Dr Ngatoko Rahipere had been a kaumatua to the school board for more than 30 years and a role model for many students, Mangan said.
"He was instrumental in the development of our marae and provided significant guidance to the school in tikanga Māori."
Mangan said Dr Ngatoko Rahipere supported many schools in the region but thought he "had a soft spot" for Tauranga Boys' College.
"He was a strong supporter of the college."
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