Battle with cancer over as family mourn the loss of Boy Waaka

Boy Waaka, 38, recently passed away after a strong battle against kidney cancer. He is pictured here with his wife Elizabeth. Photo / File.

He was a father, a soulmate, husband and friend to many - now Boy Waaka rests peacefully after losing his battle with kidney cancer.

The Hastings man made headlines after travelling as far as Mexico for specialised treatment that could help him live a further six months.

His tangi was held on Tuesday at Kahuranaki Marae in Te Hauke.

Hundreds have reached out on social media in support of the Waaka family after the tragic loss.

"Love to you and your family my friend words can not express my sorrow for you all......Fighter till the end," a friend wrote.

"Condolences to you and your whanau, was a pleasure to play rugby with the bro, with loves and prayers I wish you the best. See you in the stars brother," another said.

He was diagnosed with stage three Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma on January 5 at just 38 years old.

His wife Elizabeth Waaka earlier said: "The amount of support that we've felt from our community and friends and family to make everything possible has been amazing. I can't even explain it."