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Coromandel iwi Ngati Hei is mourning the death of kaumatua Peter Tiki Johnston.
Mr Johnston died on Sunday aged 74 at Whitianga Continuing Care Unit surrounded by family.
He was part of the team which negotiated the Hauraki Collective’s settlement of historic claims, and had a longstanding commitment to the environment.
This included leading protests against the development of New Chums Beach north of Whitianga, and establishing Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve.
Mayor Glenn Leach says he was a balanced, fair-minded man who led by example, and his passing is a sad time for the Coromandel.
A celebration of Mr Johnston’s life will be held today at Crossroads Church in Whitianga before he is taken to Ko-Te- Ramatiti Marae in Wharekaho before being laid to rest on Sunday at Ko-Te-Ramatiti Urupa.
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