Musicians taught saxophone "by the master" played a moving tribute as treasured elder Minarapa (Mina) Mitai-Ngatai's body was carried from Taheke Marae.
In a final farewell to the man who accomplished a lot in his life and played his saxophone at many tangihanga, hundreds of people were present to shareboth tears and laughter.
Mina died at his home in Rotorua on Thursday, aged of 84, due to illness.
Hoete Mitai-Ngatai, one of Mina's grandsons, said it was awesome to see so many people there.
"That's testament to koro Mina. He touched so many people - he loved everyone, he was loving to all people.
The self-taught musician first picked up a saxophone at age 19 and went on to perform at Soundshell dances in the 60s, at the Lakehouse in the 70s and then six nights a week at his whanau-run cultural enterprise Mitai.
Harry Rota said he had come down from Auckland to play with others at Mina's tangi.
He said they were going to miss Mina, who used to teach him how to play the saxophone.
Minarepa (Mina) Mitai-Ngatai with his saxophone. Photo/Supplied
Peri Grant said he used to jam with Mina and it was an honour to play there today.
"He gave so much of himself to other people. He would always turn up at tangi and play whenever he could."
In 2015 Mina was awarded a QSM for services to Maori and the community.
He is survived by four sons, four daughters plus a whangai (adopted) son and daughter. He was the grandfather of 34 and great-grandfather to 31. His wife, Margaret, died in 2002.
