Sir Pupuke’s coffin was taken to the Are Karioi Nui at 11:30 a.m. His state funeral service began at 2.30 p.m. local time
On arrival at the eastern entrance of Te Puna Korero, Sir Pupuke’s coffin was received by Tauranga Vananga secretary Makiuti Tongia and his staff, and then by Minister Wilkie Rasmussen and his wife, at Te Pua o te Ra.
At the entrance to the National Auditorium, the coffin was received by the Prime Minister Jim Marurai, cabinet ministers, Speaker Mapu Taia, opposition leader Tom Marsters, and MPs and spouses.
A short service was conducted by Rev. Tuaine Ngametua and a statement was read by former MP Dr Teariki Matenga.
Marurai has announced that flags would fly at half-mast on Friday.
Sir Pupuke was the country’s prime minister from Jan. 1987 to Jan. 1989.
He turned 84 earlier this month, and had only been in New Zealand for a few weeks when he passed away.
