August 04, 2016
Epitome of humilty laid to rest
A huge tangi for a humble man.
A steady stream of mourners from around the motu have been through the gates of Parihimanihi Marae in Waihirere near Gisborne this week to farewell Dr Ngapo "Bub" Wehi .
Mr Wehi, who with his wife Pimia led Waihirere to two kapa haka national championships and Te Waka Huia to five, died on Sunday in Gisborne age 82.
Family spokesperson Muriwai Ihakara says he would have been humbled by all those who travelled from afar, including King Tuheitia.
"Uncle Bub was a hugely humble man. He was the epitome of whakaiti, of humarie, of mahaakitanga. He was the epitome of humilty despite the success he knew on the kapa stage. It's that kind of face, that kind of spirit, that kind of generosity that has caused Te Ao Maori to move as it has over the past few days to come and pay their respect to him," Mr Ihakara says.
He says Ngapo and Pimia’s legacy will be the way they presented Maori culture in the best possible ways.
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