Tauranga kaumātua Dr Kihi Ngatai QSM has died.
A moment's silence was observed in today's Tauranga City Council meeting to mark Ngatai's passing.
Ngatai, 91, of Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui, was considered a representative of all of Tauranga Moana.
Ngatai was awarded a Queen's Birthday Honour in 2006, a Ta Kingi Ihaka Toi Maori award in 2009, was the first chairman of Te Runanga o Ngāi Te Rangi.
Fellow Tauranga kaumatua Hauata Palmer knew Ngatai personally as both served on the Waitangi Tribunal. In 2014 the pair were presented with honorary doctorates for their contribution to Māori welfare and interests.