Tony Hakaoro centre with fellow Cook Islands broadcasters Iva Eitiare and Tama Photo: RNZI/Florence Syme Buchanan
The Cook Islands broadcaster Tony Hakaoro who died on Friday will be buried on Thursday in Titikaveka.
Mr Hakaoro was a popular talk-back host and his afternoon show "Karangaranga" on Cook Islands Radio had a big following.
Our correspondent reports the broadcaster suffered a massive stroke and went into a coma.
Tributes to the hard-hitting broadcaster have been flowing including from the politicians he often took to task.
The Prime Minister's Office described Mr Hakaoro as a "formidable warrior."
A statement from the office said Mr Hakaoro "was not afraid to confront tough issues or tough questions to whomever he needed to ask or to confront."
"His honest approach and defence of the freedom of expression will be greatly missed by the wider reach of people that Tony and his radio show touched each and every week."
