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The tangi for Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Parekura Horomia is shaping up to be the biggest on the East Coast in generations.
Mr Horomia died on Monday afternoon and was taken on to Hauiti Marae in Tolaga Bay yesterday morning.
Among the first to pay their respects was the Māori King Tuheitia and Mr Horomia’s Labour colleagues.
Former MP turned broadcaster Willie Jackson says thousands of people are expected through before the funeral service on Saturday, a reflection of the esteem in which he was held in Māoridom.
He says Mr Horomia didn’t have the high profile in mainstream media of Māori MPs like Winston Peters or Hone Harawira, but he had an extraordinary focus on his own electorate.
He says he showed his mettle in defending Labour’s foreshore and seabed legislation, and he championed the creation of Māori Television and the extension of Māori radio.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
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