The Māori King movement is mourning the passing of Kiritokia ete Tomairangi Paki the older sister of the Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia.
Kiritokia ete Tomairangi Paki. Photo: Supplied
Known as Tomairangi Paki, the 64-year-old passed away overnight. She was the second child of the late Māori Queen Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
This morning her body will be brought onto Te Puea Marae in Mangere where it will lie overnight before being taken home to Waahi Paa in Huntly tomorrow.
The Mangere marae is named after Princess Te Puea Herangi, Ms Paki's great aunt, and the two women are recognised for their skill in the area of Māori performing arts.
It's understood the late Māori Queen chose Ms Paki to follow Princess Te Puea's work and to learn, compose and teach kapa haka.
From the 1970s, Ms Paki composed much of Waikato Tainui's waiata and mōteatea.
In 1981, Ms Paki tutored the winning Kapa Haka group, Taniwharau, the only Tainui team to ever win Te Matatini. Those who remember the performance said she was innovative in her work and had introduced a Mandolin guitar which was used in the winning poi segment.