Rangi Maika's death another big loss for Te Arawa

Rotorua's Rangi Maika when he was awarded a Queen Service Order in 2007. Photo/File

Te Arawa is mourning the loss of another kaumatua with the death of Tuhourangi elder Wi Keepa Te Rangipuawhe Maika.

Described as the ariki (paramount chief) of Tuhourangi by birthright, Rangi (as he was commonly known), was awarded a Queen's Service Order in 2007 for services to his people.

His death on Thursday at 85 came just two days after Ngati Whakaue leader Pihopa Kingi died.

Rangi Maika stands at the war veterans cemetery, overlooking Lake Rotorua in 2002. Photo/file

Rangi's younger brother, Huru Maika, told the

Rotorua Daily Post

that as the eldest of 15 brothers and sisters, Rangi was always the leader of his whanau.

"He was our ariki [paramount chief] and tuakana [elder brother]. He was all of that. He was just the most to me."

Huru said his brother had a stroke about five years ago but had recovered. In the past two months however his health had worsened and he was in and out of hospital.

"I was there on Thursday during the day when they brought Pihopa on to the marae and he [Rangi] died on Thursday night."

Fellow Tuhourangi elder John Waaka said some Maori believed that when esteemed elders died, they took others with them.

"Some say that the chiefs do not like to travel alone. That's why in the minds of the people they say they have taken someone else with them and they have company. A lot of older people believe that and that's how they get over the fact they have lost so many at once."

Rangi Maika addresses the guests and iwi members at the signing of the Te Arawa lake beds deal in 2004. Photo/file

Waaka said Rangi worked hard for his people although he had retired in recent years.

He said he would be remembered for his daily walks he would take from his home on Old Taupo Rd.

"He was in the direct line of the chiefmanship and was a successor. He was always involved in general activities of the [Whakarewarewa] village."

Born in Rotorua, Rangi worked for the Labour Department for 39 years.

He told the Rotorua Daily Post in 2007 after getting the QSO that he got the drive and passion to work for his people after attending a retirement seminar in 1992.

"It gave me some ideas about how I could come and help my people," Rangi said then.

"All my life I wanted to [do that]. I'll give as much as I can.''

Rotorua's Rangi Maika when he was awarded a Queen Service Order in 2007. Photo/file

Rangi represented Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao as a trustee on Te Pumautanga O Te Arawa, Te Whakarewarewa Joint Trust and a number of other trusts in Te Arawa, about 10 trust boards in total.

He was also instrumental in helping settle Te Arawa's Treaty of Waitangi claim.

He said at the time his greatest honour was being made the chairman of the council of elders of Te Arawa.

"It has given me a lot of satisfaction, I also enjoy it,'' he said in 2007.

The father of four is lying in state at Wahiao Marae in the heart of the Whakarewarewa Village and his final service will be held at 11am tomorrow followed by his burial at St Paul's urupa at Ngapuna where he will be buried next to his wife, Eruini.