North Tec staff and students are mourning the passing of long-standing kaumātua Hohepa Rudolph on Saturday after a long illness.
His tangihanga began at Te Puna o te Mātauranga Marae on NorthTec's Raumanga campus, observing Covid-19 precautions.
He will be laid to rest at Pawarenga.
Mātua Hohepa served as NorthTec's kaumātua from December 2008, NorthTec board chairwoman Ripeka Evans saying he was well-loved by staff and students, and provided guidance to all.
"Hohepa passes at a time of change and disruption in our communities . His legacy and challenge to us will be to enable a future for our learners while they stay close to home. Noho tata, haere tawhiti.'