Manuhiri begin journey to farewell Sir Tumu Te Heuheu

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII. Photo: Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board.

Manuhiri from around the motu will begin making their way to Tapeka marae at Waihī on the southern shores of Lake Taupō on Friday for the tangihanga of Sir Tumu Te Heuheu.

Pokere Paewai, Māori issues reporter

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII the Ariki or paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa died on Tuesday at the age of 84.

He lead his iwi since succeeding his father Sir Hepi Te Heuheu in 1997 and leaves behind a legacy of service to his people and to the environment, particularly Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupō.

As there is no parking at Waihī Te Kapua Whakapipi Trust, the office of the Ariki has asked visitors to park and check in at Hīrangi Marae or Tūrangitukua Park in Tūrangi where buses will be available to transfer mourners to and from Waihī.

There will be two pōwhiri daily at the marae, morning proceedings begin at 9am and afternoon proceedings begin at 1pm, with manuhiri advised to arrive at Tūrangi by 7:30am and and 11:30am respectively.

Pōwhiri times are divided by region and Te Kapua Whakapipi has asked groups planning to attend who do not yet have scheduled pōwhiri time to contact them in advance.

The rā nehu or burial will take place on Monday 29 September and will be a private affair.

Te Kapua Whakapipi asked manuhiri to respect the tikanga of the marae and the tangihanga:

• Wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes.

• No filming, photos or live-streaming.

• The marae is vaping, smoking and alcohol free.

• Visitors who are feeling sick are asked to remain at home.

• Those attending are asked to come as themselves, not as representatives of political parties or agendas.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said road users should expect heavier traffic than usual on State Highway 1 between Taupō and Tūrangi and on State Highway 41 until Monday.

The agency asked motorists to adhere to any temporary traffic management.