Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia and the people of Tainui are mourning the death of a Waikato master carver Richard Tiki Green.
Mrs Turia says he was a man who was passionate about his awa, and rangatahi, a person who devoted his life to the preservation of Tainui tikanga and kawa.
She says he established Kanae Kakariki - a hands on training programme for Maori - which covered the basic skills required for entry level into the fishing and conservation sectors.
Richard Tiki Green of Ngati Maniapoto will be buried on Friday morning at Mt Taupiri.
