Ngapuhi leader and descendant David Rankin. Photo / File / Dean Purcell
The remains of warrior chief Hone Heke will be reburied near Kaikohe next month, Ngapuhi leader and descendant David Rankin says.
Two years ago, Mr Rankin removed the mid-19th century chief's bones from a cave near Pakaraka in Northland where they had lain since 1850 when he died.
The time
was now right for the remains to be buried in a new and final resting place, Mr Rankin said.
"We removed the bones two years ago from a site that was under risk of development. Now, we have nominated a location where they can be placed permanently. We will be announcing the location and the date of their interment in the next few weeks. There are just a few more details to finalise."
He expected hundreds of people would assemble for the dawn ceremony.
