Mita Hikairo Mohi was laid to rest beside his wife Hukarere at Puhirua Cemetery on the shores of Lake Rotorua today. Over 500 people attended his funeral service at Tarimano Marae in Awahou this morning.
Surrounded by the many warriors he taught, Māori weapon exponent Mita Hikairo Mohi was taken to his final resting place.
Minister of Māori Development Te Ururoa Flavell says, “The tribe is in mourning, Te Arawa as a whole has experience the deaths of Napi (Waaka), Fred (Whata) and now Rangiwewehi is now suffering the loss of our great man Mita Hikairo who ran the school of weaponry. Our marae has been inundated with crowds of people who knew him for his good nature.”
Mohi utilised the Māori culture to change the lives of troubled young Māori men. Today one of those students paid his respects to Mita and his family.
Actor Cliff Curtis says, “They have been given the tools to nurture others, no matter who they are, Māori, Chinese, European the soul of this family is our great man Mita Mohi.”
In the last last four days over 10,000 people travelled here to pay their respects to Mita Mohi and the family are humbled and honoured.
Mokopuna Hohua Mohi says, “We would like to thank all of you, who have united, cared and come together for this occasion. To you all who have taken the heavy burden of hurt from us, thank you.”
Mita Hikairo Mohi was laid to rest alongside his wife Hukarere and one of their daughters in Puhirua. He is survived by their children, adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.