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Tāmaki Makaurau has lost a distinct Māori identity with the death last night of Te Akitai kaumātua Bobby Clarke.
Mr Clarke was a member of a close-knit group of kaumātua who are available to meet the cultural obligations of mana whenua, including blessing the opening of new buildings.
He was also a stalwart rugby league supporter.
Manurewa Marae chair Rangi McLean says with his white hair and long ponytail he was also a familiar presence at kīngitanga events.
"The poukai, wherever our king was invited to go to, and also the king's coronations, Bobby and I never missed a Koroneihana over the past 20-odd years, and we are looking very sad now this mate of mine has gone to join Eru Thompson, Tametame Williams, and others that have gone on before," he says.
Bobby Clarke will be taken this afternoon to lie at Makaurau Marae in Ihumātao
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