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Ngati Hine leader and Maori language commissioner Erima Henare will be laid to rest today.
Mr Henare died on Thursday at the age of 62.
Mourners who passed through Otiria Marae in Moerewa over the weekend talked of his deep understanding of Maori language and traditions and his ability to resolve issues without rancour.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says it was a pleasure to work with him.
"We had a really good relationship and I admired him for how he carried himself, how he spoke, and his huge heart for his people and the language," he says.
Erima Henare was moved yesterday from Otiria to his family marae at Motatau, where his funeral will be held this morning.
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