Māpuna for Saturday 27 September 2025

A tribute to Sir Tumu Te Heu Heu

The Paramount Chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII was among the people paying their respects at Tuurangawaewae Marae, on the third day of the tangi for Kiingi Tuheitia, 1 September, 2024. Photo: Supplied/ Kiingitanga - Tuteri Rangihaeata

Mapuna is in Turangi close to where Sir Tumu Te Heu Heu is lying in Waihi village on the southern shore of Lake Taupo. His whanau have requested no media coverage inside Waihi for the duration of his tangi. Julian Wilcox talks to Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa near the banks of the Tongariro river as he reflects on the leader he knew and the close and historic links between Waikato and Ngāti Tūwharetoa.