Ricky-Lee Tapuni Mitai of Whakatōhea, leader of the Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti kapa haka group, passed away earlier this week at the age of 36.
Mitai was known for winning the Manukura Tāne Trophy at Te Matatini in 2017 and was a respected advocate for te reo me ngā tikanga Māori.
This morning, Mitai will arrive at Terere Marae in Ōpōtiki, where he will lie.
Kawariki Morgan, kaitātaki tāne of Ngā Tūmanako from Hoani Waititi Marae, says their kapa haka group has travelled to Ōpōtiki to offer their aroha to him and his whānau, who have strong connections to their marae.
“Definitely, my heart goes out to Laughton and his kids. His kids were of Te Kura o Hoani Waititi, and they will miss him. He was an amazing father. He will be missed by us all,” says Morgan.
The rā nehu (funeral) is scheduled for Friday.
