He's come a long way, but Wiremu Keepa Jnr's body is finally home with his family and friends who can now say their last goodbyes.
The 23-year-old's shock death in Australia on May 1 was still being felt as about 300 people welcomed him back to his Ngati Whakaue marae, Tunohopu, at Ohinemutu today.
Many cried openly, or quietly wiped away tears as the karanga (call) started and his body was carried on to the marae.
Wiremu Keepa Jnr's family and friends are welcomed onto Tunohopu Marae. Photo/Ben Fraser
Mr Keepa Jnr's body and about 10 family members and friends left Perth last night. They arrived in Auckland at 6.30am before driving to Rotorua.
Tunohopu is the main marae for Ngati Whakaue tangi, but this one was noticeably different with a large number of young people among the mourners.
Mr Keepa Jnr's sudden death after he collapsed in his Perth home is being described as a tragedy for the iwi, with many saying he was a leader of the tribe in waiting.
of Western Heights High School.
His dedication to the school was honoured today with his hearse and convoy passing past the school where students and teachers performed a moving haka.
There were also several students at the marae in full school uniform as well as former classmates.
Family and friends support each other as Wiremu Keepa Jnr's tangi get underway. Photo/Ben Fraser
Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Pihopa Kingi opened the speeches for the paepae, which was answered by kaumatua Ken Kennedy who had travelled in the convoy with the body.
Mr Keepa Jnr's uncle, also called Wiremu Keepa, told the Rotorua Daily Post today the family were "truly blessed to have Wiremu home safely".
"The immediate family wish to acknowledge the huge efforts of everyone getting Wiremu home. Perhaps this is a sign to our people overseas that getting your loved ones home is definitely a daunting task."
Mr Keepa Jnr's tangi will be at the marae until Saturday when his funeral service will take place at 10am before his burial at Kauae Cemetery at 11am.
Just under $10,000 has been raised through a Givealittle page to go towards the cost of bringing his body home to Rotorua.
Farewell Wiremu Keepa Jnr - Tangihanga at Tunohopu Marae - Funeral service Saturday, 10am - Burial Kauae Cemetery, 11am
