Ralph Hotere laid to rest

When acclaimed artist Ralph Hotere was born at Mitimiti 81 years ago as one of 15 children, it was in a simple home without power or running water.

He returned on Friday on board the Air Force's newest NH90 helicopter for his tangi and burial yesterday.

Mr Hotere, who was of Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa descent, died of pneumonia in Dunedin on February 24.

He suffered a serious stroke in 2001, but in a 50-year career made his name as one of New Zealand's most important artists.

He spoke little about his art, preferring to let the paintings do the talking on political and environmental themes close to his heart.

He worked closely with the poet Hone Tuwhare, another great Northlander who made his home in Otago.

In the 2012 New Year's Honours he was made a member of the Order of New Zealand, the nation's highest honour.

Following a requiem mass at Dunedin's St Joseph's Cathedral on Thursday, his body was flown to Auckland on an Air New Zealand flight.

From there the Air Force flew him to remote Mitimiti, on the west coast north of the Hokianga Harbour.

Hundreds of mourners paid their respects when he has lying in Matihetihe Marae over the weekend and the crowds had thinned down before his coffin was carried to the Maunga Hione Urupa for his burial.