Rotorua and Te Arawa leader's shock death

Mauriora Kingi

Respected Rotorua man and Te Arawa spokeman Mauriora Kingi has died suddenly in Rotorua this morning.

The Rotorua Lakes Council director of kaupapa Maori was 53.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said she was extremely shocked and saddened to hear the news of Mr Kingi's death today.

She said his input into the council's dealings with local Maori was invaluable.

"He gave so much to the community, not just to council. I'm just so glad he received his honour this week, he very much deserved it. It's difficult to comprehend right now and our hearts go out to his family and Te Arawa."

She said the council would be releasing a further statement later today.

On Monday Mr Kingi was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Friend and Rotorua Lakes District councillor Trevor Maxwell said Mr Kingi's death would leave a "gaping hole" in the community.

"I've known him for most of his life," he said.

"He was always in demand and he was there for everybody. He's going to leave a gaping hole."