Crowds gather for Maori Queen

Mourners Maitai Rakena (left) and niece Julie Wade at Turangawaewae Marae today. Picture / Sarah Ivey

Dame Te Atairangikaahu's body was brought onto the forecourt of the marae at Turangawaewae in Ngaruawahia this afternoon.

As many as 500 people - including family members, dignitaries and wider family from other hapu within the Tainui waka - were present after her body was moved from within the marae at around 1.30pm.

Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen, died last evening aged 75.

Crowds had gathered this morning on the road outside the marae to lament their leader's death. They were told their Queen was lying in peace, surrounded by about 300 whanau.

Some mourners arrived as early as 7am, and seats were provided to the growing throng of kuia on the footpath, dressed in thick, black clothing, in bright morning sun.

Many also wore wreaths of greenery around their heads, or dark glasses to shield their wet eyes.

After her body was brought out to the Marae forecourt, the gates were opened to members of the wider Tainui iwi.

The mood at Turangawaewae was subdued, calm and patient, reflecting the air of respect and mana that Dame Te Ata commanded among her people.

On the periphery, people worked to erect marquees, tend gardens, or sweep courtyards and footpaths.

The visitors at first trickled in to Ngaruawahia, but a steady stream of people was evident by midday, by which time a crowd of at least 300 was present.

It is expected that tens of thousands of people will have gathered by the weekend.

The tangi will last five days, with the burial on Taupiri Mountain to take place on Monday. It is expected SH1 will be closed during that time.

Dame Te Ata's death was also being marked around the country today.

Transit has accepted a request to fly flags on the Auckland Harbour Bridge at half-mast.

Victoria University was flying its flags at half-mast as well. Professor David Mackay, acting vice-chancellor, said "On behalf of the university I'd like to extend our condolences and sympathies to Dame Te Ata's whanau and friends and all those who benefited from her gentle leadership."

TANGI

Wednesday, August 16
Early morning - Church service at Turangawaewae Marae
Noon - Marae opened to Tainui mourners

Monday, August 21
Funeral to be held at Turangawaewae Marae
Burial on Taupiri Mountain

- additional reporting NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA