Moko the dolphin has been farewelled by 300 people at a memorial service in Whakatane.
The much loved bottlenose dolphin, who won the hearts of communities from Hawke's Bay to Bay of Plenty, was found dead on Matakana Island near Tauranga last week.
A small procession through Whakatane on Thursday brought the dolphin's body in a blue coffin to Mataatua Reserve, next to the Whakatane River, where he used to play.
A service of prayers and remembrance was hosted by local iwi Ngati Awa.
One of Moko's official minders, Kirsty Carrington, told those gathered that he was a best mate, a friend and a confidante.
Moko will be buried by Ngai Te Rangi on Matakana Island.
Iwi given final say - DoC
Earlier, the Department of Conservation (DoC) defended its decision to hold the service in Whakatane, rather than at Matakana Island or Mahia Peninsula, where the dolphin spent most of his time in the public eye.
Area manager Andrew Baucke told Waatea News that iwi were given the final say, rather than the hapu at Mahia that named him Moko.
"We recognise that Ngai Te Rangi have kaitiaki for Moko, as he died on Matakana Beach," Mr Baucke said. "That's really been the principle behind us supporting Ngai Te Rangi to bring him back to Matakana Island."
The cause of Moko's death remains a mystery. DoC says there's no sign of blunt force trauma, which would have suggested being struck by a boat, nor any signs that a net caused his death.