Tauranga's final farewell to much-loved iwi leader Awanui Black

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae in Tauranga today to farewell highly respected Maori leader Awanui Black, who died on Wednesday. Photo/Ruth Keber

Hundreds of people have gathered in Tauranga's Welcome Bay to farewell maori leader Awanuiarangi Black.

Mr Black, known to many as Awanui, died on Wednesday with family by his side at Tauranga Hospital. Mr Black was a prominent and deeply respected leader on Maori issues in the Tauranga Moana area.

Mr Black's tangi is being held at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae today, with formalities starting at 11am.

A reporter at the tangi said the atmosphere was bittersweet.

Many people were tearful but the atmosphere was not sad and people were pleased to be there to say their farewells, she said.

Band Te reo o Te Ratana Tua Toru paid tribute to Mr Black. Speeches had now begun, the reporter said.