Traffic delays expected on SH1 and SH41 during Sir Tumu Te Heuheu tangihanga

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu celebrated his 84th birthday weeks before his death on September 23. Photo / NZPA / Ross Setford

Traffic is expected to be heavier than usual on State Highway 1 between Taupō and Tūrangi today as Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, the ariki and paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, is farewelled.

NZTA said road users on State Highway 1 and State Highway 41 are likely to experience delays between today and Monday.

The agency is asking motorists to adhere to any temporary traffic management in place.

Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII was born on August 22, 1941, and celebrated his 84th birthday weeks before his death on September 23.

In 1997, he succeeded his father, Sir Hepi Hoani Te Heuheu Tūkino VII, as ariki of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

Sir Tumu chaired the Māori Heritage Council, held multiple leadership roles and was an important figure in environmental and heritage protection nationally and internationally.

He was respected across iwi and government circles, particularly for his dedication to kaitiakitanga, and his contributions were recognised in 2005 when he was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation.

In 2009, he was redesignated as Sir under the Knight Companion rank.

Sir Tumu’s last public appearance was at Te Arikinui Ngawai hono i te po’s first Koroneihana this year, where he was acknowledged for his decades of service.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Sir Tumu, describing him as “a fierce and humble leader for his people, their land and their waters”.