KEY POINTS:
Maori Battalion veteran and president Jim Takarangi died on Sunday in Wanganui.
Mr Takarangi, 83, who had been unwell, died in Wanganui Hospital.
His body will lie in state at Putiki Pa until his funeral tomorrow morning.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia expressed her condolences after the death of a man she described as a wise and greatly loved kaumatua.
His presence at Putiki Marae was a great source of wisdom, of certainty and of strength to all iwi of Whanganui, she said.
"He was a staunch defender of tikanga on the marae, and a mentor to younger generations."
Mr Takarangi was linked to significant events throughout Whanganui.
He gave evidence at the Whanganui hearings to the Waitangi Tribunal; was part of the arrangement established around the protection of Pakaitore (Moutua Gardens); and presented Tuhoe with the tewhatewha (a Maori club) at the transfer of iwi exhibitions hosted at Te Papa.
His death came as he eagerly looked forward to hosting the battalion veterans and their whanau at Putiki from February 20-22 "to share their precious memories as the last few survivors".
As national president, he was held in great esteem for protecting the history of the battalion, Mrs Turia said.
"We think of his whanau and we grieve with them, the loss of a very special man; a loved kaumatua who charmed us with his cheeky jokes; and who shared with us all, so many unique memories of an era and experiences that must not be forgotten."
It is believed there are 58 surviving members of the Maori Battalion, all older than 80.
- NZPA
