And songstress Ria Hall wrote: "I will never forget what you and mum Tang have taught me from my earliest days discovering my musicality at 18, through to this moment and this space I occupy right now....You both always had an unwavering belief in little me, and I am in debt to you. E taku pāpā, taku tau kahurangi, moe mai rā i tō moengaroa."
Nepia's wife Tang also posted on social media to update the family's loved ones on funeral arrangements, and was met with an outpouring of condolences.
Thom NepiaReally sad to hear the passing of another NZ/ Māori music legend, Thom Nepia
A real, genuine, giving, kind-hearted spirit. He went out of his way to awhi and assist me out in Glen Innes producing the Te Oro Soundscape Public Artworks.
Very fitting that his songwriting, voice and percussions will resonate forever from those speakers as a permanent tribute within the community he loved so much.
He also blessed much of our 'The Hypnotics' catalogue with his rhythmic gift.
Thank you uso for sharing your heart with us all. Much alofa, condolences and prayers to his āiga from Noma& I. Ia manuia lau malaga.
Posted by Anonymouz on Sunday, 25 February 2018
Nepia had been on the Kiwi music scene for near 40 years and as well as playing with the Herbs, performed with the likes of Billy T James, Do Re Mi and more.
The band is perhaps most widely known for their part in the Dave Dobbyn hit Slice of Heaven, among other hits like French Letter, See What Love Can Do, No Nukes, Listen and Long Ago.
Nepia was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame with the Herbs at the 2012 APRA Silver Scroll Awards, along with fellow members Dilworth Karaka, Toni Fonoti, Phil Toms, Spencer Fusimalohi, John Berkley, Fred Faleauto (deceased), Charles Tumahai (deceased), Maurice Watene, Tama Lundon, Jack Allen, Carl Perkins, Willie Hona, Tama Renata, Gordon Joll, Grant Pukeroa and Kristen Hapi.
