A Waikato university scholar says it's vital to research Maori traditions surrounding death before the knowledge is permanently lost.
Ngahuia Te Awekotuku of the School of Maori and Pacific Development is heading a three year project which has obtained $950,000 in funding from the Royal Society of New Zealand and $250,000 from Nga Pae o te Maramatanga - the National Institute of Maori Research Excellence.
Professor Te Awekotuku told Waatea News it will include recording the chants and karakia still actively performed at tangi by those with the traditional knowledge.
Professor Te Awekotuku said there's been little formal research into the subject.
