Māori King arrives at Huria Marae to pay respects to Ngāti Ranginui leader

The Māori King was welcomed onto Tauranga's Huria Marae today with a moving haka powhiri.

Kiingi Tuheitia is at the Marae in Judea to pay his respects to Dr Morehu Ngatoko Rahipere, leader and elder of Ngāti Ranginui, who passed away on Tuesday.

Dr Ngatoko Rahipere was brought to Huria Marae this morning where he will lay in state until Friday.

Students from Tauranga Boys' college were part of the haka powhiri this morning. Photo/ George Novak

The haka powhiri was performed by local men, plus students from Tauranga Boys' College, students from Tauranga Girls' College and Te Wharekura o Mauao were present.

Hundreds of people gathered at the marae and Kiingi Tuheitia was expected to stay for the rest of the day.

A spokesperson for Dr Ngatoko Rahipere's family, Charlie Rahiri, expected thousands of people to visit the marae over the next two days.

"He was just so loved," Rahiri said.

A haka powhiri was performed at Huria Marae this morning for Kiingi Tuheitia. Photo/ George Novak

Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan said Dr Ngatoko Rahipere was a Kaumatua to the school's board and a role model for many students.

"This is a great loss to us," Mangan said.