A Pillar of the Waiapu: Final farewell for Nehe Dewes at Tikitiki

He poroporoaki ki tētahi o ngā morehu kaumātua whakamutunga o Te Riu o Waiapu. The Waiapu Valley has bid farewell to one of its most respected elders, Nehe Dewes (Ngāti Porou), who was laid to rest at Te Rāhui Marae in Tikitiki. As one of the last of his generation to carry the deep linguistic traditions of the region, his passing marks the end of an era for the valley. A man of immense faith and cultural authority, Pāpā Nehe was a cornerstone of his community and a vital guardian of the unique reo and tikanga of the Waiapu. His final journey reflected a life spent in service, attended by those from the golf green to the rugby field and the congregation of St Mary's. Reported by Irena Smith, this story captures the final moments as the community stood together to honor a dedicated leader of Ngāti Porou whose legacy will remain within the hearts of the people of Te Riu o Waiapu. Reported by senior reo Māori journalists, Taioro News delivers expert regional coverage with a digital-first lens. Our team is dedicated to bringing you the heart of the issues across Ikaroa-Rāwhiti from Potaka to the Wairarapa. #taioronews #nehedewes #ngatiporou #tikitiki #waiapu #kaumatua #maorijournalism #teriuowaiapu #maoriculture #poroporoaki