Wiremu Keepa Jnr's funeral plans under way

Wiremu Keepa Jnr.

A big tangi is planned for Wiremu Keepa Jnr with preparations well under way for his body to arrive in his home city on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old collapsed and died at his home in Perth on Monday last week.

His Rotorua uncle, also called Wiremu Keepa, said a post-mortem examination had been conducted on his nephew's body but they were still unaware exactly how he died.

"We are still in the dark as to why."

Mr Keepa Jnr was the former head boy at Western Heights High School and was touted as a rising leader for his iwi, Ngati Whakaue.

His body and about 10 relatives from Perth are flying to New Zealand tomorrow night and are expected to land in Auckland about 6.30am on Wednesday.

Mr Keepa said once the formalities of releasing the body were worked through it was hoped a hearse and convoy of vehicles would bring his nephew's body to Rotorua and on to Tunohopu Marae at Ohinemutu about 1pm.

His tangi would be held at the marae until his tangihanga at 10am on Saturday followed by his burial at Kauae Cemetery.

He will be taken past Western Heights High School before his burial.

"He will be buried alongside his uncles and grandmother. He was really close to his grandmother," Mr Keepa said.

Mr Keepa Jnr's body has been lying in state at his mother Claudia Kingi's house in Perth since Friday.

Mr Keepa said they were preparing the marae for what was expected to be a big funeral and food was being prepared and sourced for the visitors.

A Givealittle page to help the family fund his trip from Perth to Rotorua has raised nearly $10,000 by more than 200 donors.

The young leader was a recipient of a Rotorua Community Award for his contribution to his school and various community organisations. He was described as an "old soul in a young person's body" and was also musically talented.

To donate, go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/wiremusjourneyhome.