Maori leaders have paid tribute to Whanganui kaumatua Morvin Simon, an exceptional composer, choirmaster, kapa haka leader, academic and historian.
Mr Simon died in Wellington hospital yesterday.
He was born at Kaiwhaiki Marae, and educated at Upokongaro School then Hato Paora, before going on to study philosophy and sociology at Holy Name College in Christchurch. He also studied Maori language and oral literature at Victoria and Massey Universities.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia paid tribute to Mr Simon's skills as a composer, teacher and cultural leader.
"Like te awa tupua, his waiata could move from tempestuous rapids to smooth waters that caress your every trouble away.