September 30, 2023
Military burial for Ngāti Awa rangatira Te Kei Merito
Ngāti Rangitihi chairman Leith Comer says former Ngāti Awa chair Te Kei O Te Waka Wilson Merito was a remarkable leader.
Mr Merito died on Tuesday, and his tangi is being held at Pūkeko Marae near Whakatāne.
Mr Merito was in the Defence Force for 20 years, fighting in the Malayan Emergency in 1959, and on joined Whakatane District Council where he became prominent in management.
In 2017 he was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Māori and conservation.
Mr Comer says he made a massive contribution.
“I think at 89 he deserves to rest in peace and we are looking forward to going across and paying our respects to him,” Mr Comer says.
Te Kei O Te Waka Wilson Merito will be buried with full military honours.