More than 2000 people paid their respects to Te Awanuiarangi Black today. Photo/File
More than 2000 people paid their respects to Te Awanuiarangi Black today. Photo/File
More than 2000 people have paid their respects to Te Awanuiarangi Black today as he lies in state at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae and a huge turnout is expected for the funeral on Sunday.
Mr Black, 48, died in Tauranga Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after a short illness.He was a highly respected iwi leader and served on the Maori Language Commission.
Close friend Tommy Wilson said there had been an "overwhelming" stream of well-wishers from all over New Zealand with more than 2000 people visiting yesterday alone.
"That's a measure of the man's mana. They say a man is measured by how many people turn up at the tangi."
Mr Black is lying in state at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae in Welcome Bay. The farewell nehu will be at 11am on Sunday.
