Ngāti Whakaue

Te Ao Māori News understands he died at home in Rotorua surrounded by his whānau.

Lead researcher Dr Teorongonui Josie Keelan (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe) and her team worked along around 40 Ngāti Whakaue kaumātua for three months.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Melaina Huaki in May.

A Ngāti Whakaue lawyer has been named to join the expert advisory panel for fast-track approvals should the law pass through Parliament.

Rotorua’s new luxury spa has been described as a “cultural and architectural masterpiece” by judges in national design awards.