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Police and Māori wardens in their hundreds have been making their way to Kaikohe to farewell the man who set the standard for Māori policing.
Paddy Whiu from Ngapuhi and Te Atihaunui-ā-Paparangi died on Sunday of cancer.
Iwi liaison Officer Joe Tipene says at various times over the past few days there has been a sea of blue uniforms waiting to get on to Kaingahoa Mārae, and many more will be there for this morning’s funeral service.
He says Sergeant Whiu was one of the first iwi liaison officers back in the mid-1990s, but even before then he was held in respect for his work among Māori.
“A very great loss for our police force, for our community at whole throughout the motu not just the north but everywhere. All our kaitakawaenga saw him as an inspiration, a guide for us, taught us alot. Every time we needed advice, Paddy was always there for us. Moe mai ra e te rangatira, e kore matou e wareware kia koe” says Joe Tipene
The funeral service starts at 11, after which Paddy Whiu will be taken to Onewhero Urupa in Mataraua to lie with his ancestors.
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