Pihopa Kingi makes his final journey from Ohinemutu

On his final journey across Rotorua, the late Pihopa Kingi's body passed by the one true love of his life, his wife Inez.

Grey clouds hung in the sky and Ohinemutu echoed with song as hundreds of voices joined in waiata for the Ngati Whakaue leader.

A marquee was erected outside Te Arawa's paramount marae, Te Papaiouru, and the marae atea turned into a sea of black.

The 88-year-old, who spent his life advocating for Maori, was remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his wisdom and his patience.

Pihopa Kingi leaves Ohinemutu for the final time. Photo/Stephen Parker

Former Lakes District Health Board chairman Stewart Edward said it would be inappropriate to give a eulogy for Pihopa without mentioning his wife.

"For they were inseparable.

"In his ability to support Inez, he was truly remarkable."

Like other family members before her, Inez suffers from dementia and now resides at Whare Aroha Care Village in Ngongotaha.

Edward wanted to acknowledge the knowledge and the understanding Pihopa had brought to the health sector.

"I wish to recognise that today, that wonderful contribution.

"His advocacy for Maori will be remembered forever."

Edward said he visited Pihopa in hospital during his last few days.

"He told me, there is still a job to do."

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick spoke of the "cherished" 43-year relationship she had working alongside Pihopa.

"When I think of him I recall the image of a very dapper man.

"The twinkle in his eye when he engaged with you, his huge smile which curled up at the corners, the way he would tilt his head and his glasses would remain slightly crooked.

"He was a visionary on his pathway, for his people and he walked that pathway with the love of his life."

Reverend Ngarahu Katene speaks at the funeral for Pihopa Kingi. Photo/Stephen Parker

Chadwick said the gifts that Pihopa gave us were integral parts of our community that we took for granted.

"He was part of the team that began what was then Waiariki, Tipu Ora, Te Papa Takaro, Te Utuhina Manaakitanga drug and alcohol counselling service.

"His work was ongoing and his spirit will go on."

The last meeting between Chadwick and Pihopa was to discuss the Hunga Manaaki service at Rotorua Hospital.

"This must be sorted in his memory," she said.

"He was a challenging tutor, but his criticism was always tempered with love.

"Go to rest rangatira, your work here is done."

Pihopa Kingi's advocacy for Maori will forever be remembered. Photo/Stephen Parker

Speaking about his father, Tanira Kingi shared some of the fun moments they had spent together.

"He told me, when I was about 5, that he was born an anaemic blue baby," he said.

"I tried to imagine a blue baby, then a couple of years later I came across a picture of Krishna. I asked him if he was like this and he said, nah, different blue."

The crowd erupted into laughter.

Tanira said despite his dad having no formal education and no formal qualifications he was a prolific reader.

"Dad would be annoyed and embarrassed if I only talked about him today.

"He adored my mother and devoted his life to her."

Te Arawa kaumatua Pihopa Kingi and wife Inez Kingi, when they were honoured in 2009. Photo/File

As he closed his speech he said that as a whanau they had become complacent.

"With dad at the head of the tribe we went to him for instruction and he was very good at giving instruction. Now we need to rely on ourselves and the tribe need to move forward.

"Tomorrow the sun will rise again, and we've got to get on with our work."

Pihopa's mokopuna Raniera Kingi and Tahlia Kingi then gave a reading before the address from Reverend Ngarahu Katene.

"No one was excluded from his love," Katene said.

"I am very thankful for the life of this man, you are now on your way to receive your reward, and you deserve it."

Mourners at Pihopa Kingi's tangi. Photo/Stephen Parker

The sun broke through the clouds as dozens erupted into haka and Pihopa left Te Papaiouru for the final time and despite the looming weather it was the gathered who shed tears and not the sky.

His body was taken for a karakia at St Faith's Church before departing to the solemn tunes of Mina Mitai on his saxophone and a haka led by Mataia Keepa.

His body was then driven past his wife's care village on the way to Kauae Cemetery.

Councillor Trevor Maxwell said she wouldn't even know he was there.

"But maybe, she'll know ..."