Iwi throughout the country have paid tribute to a formidable leader of Māoridom, an educationalist, a Minister of the Anglican Church and a patriot of Ngāti Porou.
Dr Apirana Mahuika passed away this morning at his home in Kaiti, Gisborne. He was a man who wasn't afraid of adversity and was known by many as "Pāpā Api."
Pāpā Api was a passionate man who worked for the well-being of Māori. He was offered the opportunity to be knighted on four separate occasions, but declined them all, proof that he never did this work for the accolades.
Despite his roles, he balanced work well with family, who surrounded him during his final moments at his home in Kaiti, Gisborne.
His legacy will live on through his wife Karin and his two sons Matanuku and Hamana and his grandchildren.
Dr Apirana moved to Evans Funeral Services this afternoon and will be taken to Te Rahui Marae in Tikitiki on the East Coast.
There he will lie in state until his funeral service this Thursday morning. He will then be buried at his family cemetery at Kaitaha.