Tributes continue to flow for respected Māori rugby leader, Whetu Tipiwai, who passed away after a short illness.
New Zealand Māori Rugby Board Chairman, Wayne Peters, said Tipiwai served Māori rugby with distinction and was widely respected throughout the rugby community.
"Whetu gave long service to the game he loved and will be greatly missed," said Peters. "He touched the lives of many, including players, young and old. Around the Board table it was evident to all that he had the very best interests at heart for rugby in general and Māori rugby in particular."
Mr Tipiwai was the kaumātua of the Māori All Blacks from 2001 to 2010. He also composed the team's haka, Timatanga and gifted a unique taonga to the team when the haka was first performed in 2001.
The Black Ferns' haka, Ko Ūhia Mai was another composition of Mr Tipiwai. In 2009 he was awarded the NZ Order of Merit for services to Māori and rugby.
