Thousands expected to farewell Tumate Mahuta

The farewelling of a Tainui leader calls for the greeting, seating and feeding of thousands.

The tangi for Tumate Mahuta, 88, at Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae Marae, will be the largest funeral seen in Waikato since the death of Sir Robert Mahuta in 2001.

Mr Mahuta, who died on Tuesday after a long illness, was the son of the first cousin of the last Maori King -- King Koroki, and a close relative and supporter of the Maori Queen Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.

The great affection in which Mr Mahuta was held by Tainui means a huge turnout is expected over the five-day funeral period.

Turangawaewae administrator Vinny Kingi said the marae community was well prepared to host the more than 3000 people expected to pay their respects.

Ms Kingi said visitors had begun to arrive at the marae after Mr Mahuta's death on Tuesday and guests would file through until the burial at Taupiri Mountain on Sunday.

Huge ovens in the marae kitchens would roast 10 sides of meat at a time, she said, and more than 200 workers would give up their time to help serve and prepare food.

Lunches would be served in three sittings. M ourners would offer koha to the marae as they entered the dining room but nobody would be turned away.

Everyone was welcome to bring comfort at a time of great loss to the tribe, Ms Kingi said.

Mr Mahuta will be buried at Taupiri Mountain after a marae service at 11am on Sunday.

- NZPA