The funeral will be held on Monday of Ngai Tuhoe kaumatua and healer Tikirau Stevens, who died on Thursday.
Waatea News reports Mr Stevens was a Vietnam war veteran who served 20 years in the army before starting a second career in Maori Affairs and other Crown agencies.
Tamati Kruger from Te Kotahi a Tuhoe says Mr Stephens moved back into the Tuhoe rohe after retiring. With his partner Thursday, he promoted the traditional rongoa practices he learned growing up around Waikaremoana.
Mr Kruger told Waatea News he also played an important role in tribal affairs, helping guide Treaty negotiations with the Crown.
Mr Stevens will be taken back to Waimako Marae in Waikaremoana on Saturday. His funeral will be on Monday.
