One of Northland's most respected Kaumātua has died.
Bill Wiremu Photo: Screenshot / Te Karere
Bill Wiremu passed away suddenly on Thursday aged 70 and will be laid to rest at his marae near Ōkaihau.
Ngāti Hine leader Pita Tipene says Wiremu was known throughout the country for his strong involvement in waka and tikanga Māori.
His iwi says details of his tangi, and the logistics of how to hold it during Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions will be announced in the next few days.
The leader of the National Party is calling for a increased limit of 100 people for funerals, tangi and faith services under alert level 2. Audio
Funeral directors say level 2 restrictions could mean families host multiple ceremonies on the same day, in an attempt to accommodate more than 50 people saying farewell to their loved ones. Audio
Government ministers were forced into a climbdown over tangi and funeral rules which initially restricted attendees to a maximum of ten people at a time.
It is now set at 50 people, but the funeral… Audio
Funeral directors and whānau who have relentlessly opposed the ten person limit on funerals and tangi are delighted with the news up to 50 people can now attend the service.
The Health Minister David… Audio
Public pressure has forced a quick u-turn from the government over how many people can attend a tangihanga at alert level 2.
The rules initially restricted funeral guests to just 10 because the… Video, Audio
for ad-free news and current affairs
