Editorial: Kapa haka fest fitting tribute to 'Mau'

The late Mauriora Kingi. Photo/File

I still now reach for my phone and search under "M" when I want an expert opinion about things Maori.

Then I remember Mauriora Kingi isn't around anymore.

He was the type of man who knew the answer to any question when it came to Maoridom and always happy to help and share his knowledge.

That's just one of the reasons he was held in such high regard nationwide.

He'd look so important sitting next to Helen Clark on the marae, quietly translating for her.

Yet if you knew "Mau", you'd soon come to realise he had no airs and graces.

His knowledge was sought after in high powered positions throughout the country, but his Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao whenua was where he wanted to stay.

Rotorua knew it was lucky to have him and he got that message loud and clear just days before he died last year when he was appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

His wealth of kapa haka knowledge will be missed this weekend when hundreds of Te Arawa competitors line the stage in front of the judges at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

There will be one judge noticeably missing from the panel.

Mr Kingi was the longest serving Te Matatini judge having judged each national competition since 1988.

That meant he was only 27 when he first sat on the judging panel.

It's fitting this weekend's regional kapa haka champs will be dedicated to Mr Kingi.

No doubt whoever lifts the Mauriora Kingi Memorial Trophy for the supreme winner for the first time on Saturday night will feel a great sense of pride.