The people of Ngapuhi laid one of their sons to rest on Thursday - a policeman who was known as a peace-maker, a mentor, and a strong advocate for the volunteer Maori wardens.
After suffering from a short illness which prevented him from attending this year's Waitangi celebrations, Paddy Whiu, aged 62 died on Sunday.
Hundreds of people paid their respects at his home marae Kaingahoa in Kaikohe just before midday at his burial including the National Manager of Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, Superintendent Wally Haumaha, local kaumatua and MPs.
Sergeant Whiu served the police for 41 years and was the first Northland iwi liaison officer.
Labour list MP Shane Jones says as well as being a strong advocate for Maori Wardens, Sergeant Whiu had the ability to relate to everyone he dealt with in all kinds of situations.
He says Paddy Whiu spent a lot of effort and creativity in ensuring that the volunteer Maori Wardens were slowly professionalised.
Mr Jones says he obviously had the respect of the upper echelons of the police as well as being held in high esteem by northern kaumatua.
He says wherever Sergeant Whiu went he was warmly embraced whether it was amongst the "garden variety" Northlander or in some tricky situations where rangatahi had got offside with the law.
Nō reira, moe mai rā e Paddy, haere haere, haere, kaati e hoki.
