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Download AudioTā Toby Curtis has been taken to Tapuaekura Marae beside his home on Lake Rotoiti where people from throughout the motu will come to remember him as a visionary educationalist, a shrewd administrator, a tribal leader and a source of wise counsel.
Tā Toby died at home this week at the age of 82, just months after finally handing on the korowai as chair of Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi says he was a true servant leader and one of his most valued advisors.
Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says Tā Toby was someone who had an impact on his whānau dating back to his time as principal of Hato Petera College in Northcote.
“My uncles, my mum’s brothers, they all went to Hato Petera while Sir Toby was there and his contribution and his footprint on those people are still remembered fondly and his impact across multiple generations is well known. I look forward to getting there and expressing gratitude for a true serviceman of our people,” he says.
Tangi organisers have closed off Curtis Rd, and manuhiri will be shuttled to the marae from State Highway 30.
The tangi will be livestreamed on Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Te Arawa FM and Aukaha News Facebook pages.
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