Piripi Haami was one of the staunchest advocates of tino rangatiratanga - self determination - for his Whanganui people.
From Ranana, he was brought up in Wanganui and Ohakune.
He died in Wanganui on Sunday, aged 64, after being unwell for two years.
"He was a very very staunch, strong advocate for bringing about positive change for us as an iwi, and for the river," his friend Ken Mair said.
"It didn't matter what it was. He certainly gave his time and energy to the people."