One of only two remaining 39 Maori Battalion soldiers, Takamoana Delamere, died on Sunday, at the age of 88.
A funeral services has been held at Whitianga Marae near the east cape town of Te Kaha.
Following the service, Mr Delamere's casket will be lifted from Tutewake Wharenui and taken to his final resting place at Tokataha cemetry.
Mr Delamere's death leaves Arthur Midwood as the sole surviving member of the 1939 Maori Battalion.