Awanuiārangi Black was buried today. Thousands have travelled the country to attend the young leader's funeral over the last three days and the number of attendees were the same today as Awanui Black was taken to his burial site at Ōtūkōpiri.
Pouroto Ngaropo told Te Kāea, “His sons pressed noses to share that bond one last time, Kahotapu, Tawera, Uenuku and Wiremu. Awanuiārangi lives on through them.”
Wielding his father's handheld blade, eldest son Kahotapu Black spoke of his father's legacy.
“Who will carry the legacy on? His sons will, they will continue the work their father started and honour his memory by finishing the things he wasn't able to finish.”
Others spoke of his softer side.
Ngāti Paoa spokesperson Hauāuru Rawiri says, “He was such a hard case guy. I remember when the tribes of Hauraki were meeting, we were just being clowns, and because the conversation was so heavy we wanted to lighten the mood.”
“You were just like our ancestor Maui Tikitiki a Taranga. You were the youngest in your family, but we saw the great amazing things you did. The foundations you laid for Ngāti Pukenga, you are Awanuiārangi, a man of many talents, you are a wealth of knowledge, you are also a warrior of the Māori arts,” says Ngaropo.
Minister of Māori development and Māori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says, “He was meant to fill my position in Parliament. That's how highly regarded he was in Māoridom.”
Awanuiārangi an expert of many things, Awanuiārangi a wealth of all knowledge.
“My best friend, this is for you, it's time. Today your wishes have been carried out for you to be buried and rest in Ōtūkopiri cemetery. Good bye my friend,” says Ngaropo.