He was a servant of his people and a patron of Māoridom. Sadly last night Māori elder, Takutai Moana Wikiriwhi passed away at the age of 84.
Ngarimu Blair of Ngāti Whātua says, “Whatever the occasion, whether it was for Ngāti Whātua or Māoridom as a whole, he was there to support.”
Takutai grew up amongst his people, where he was groomed in the ways of old by his Ngāti Whātua elders.
He then went on to pass those teachings on to the younger generations of today.
Piripi Davis believes, “He was always encouraging the young ones to stand proud and strong on the marae.”
Takutai spent most of his working years as a cultural advisor in the health sector across NZ, so it's no surprise many people from all around the country have gathered at Orākei Marae today to pay their respects.
We understand that he will be returned to his marae of Oruawharo near Wellsford tomorrow morning, and he will be laid to rest on Saturday.