By RNZ
Northland's Ngāti Hine people are in mourning, following the death of well-known kaumātua, and Waitangi stalwart, Pita Paraone.
Paraone died at 2am this morning in Auckland Hospital.
A whānau member says the much-loved elder had heart surgery about three weeks ago, and failed to recover.
Paraone was known for his quiet but firm diplomacy and was for many years the programme organiser for Waitangi Day, and the chair of the Waitangi National Trust.