Death of respected Maori elder

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 34, 12 February 1985, Page 1

Death of respected Maori elder

One of the biggest gatherings for a funeral service seen in the area for forty years took place at the Ohakune marae this'week. People came from all over the country, including the South Island, for the funeral service of respected Maori elder Paul Mareikura, who died at Wairoa three days earlier at the age of 76. Mr Mareikura had lived in Hastings for thirty years, although he returned regularly to Ohakune. He is survived by his wife Hinepuarauahd their daughters Monica, Thelma, Gabriel and Felicity. There are thirty-three grandchildren and thirtyfour great grandchildren. Bishop Cullinane came to Ohakune for the funeral service which took place on Thursday. Mr Mareikura was an elder of the Ngatirangi and Wanganui tribes. A nsphew, Mr Mathew Mareikura, said that Mr Mareikura will be remem-

bered as a narrator, as well as for his knowledge, his modesty and his deep and strong connections with the church. Mr Mareikura 's three brothers and three sisters

preceded him and Mr Mathew Mareikura described his uncle's death as the passing of the last of a generation. All the tribes from throughout the country

were represented at the funeral and over thirty mutton and several trailer loads of stores were eaten by the 600 to 1,000 people who visited the marae during the week.