Sir Tumu (centre) is being remembered by figures from across Aotearoa, after his death on Tuesday. (He is shown here at the tangihanga for Kiingi Tuheitia, in September last year). Photo: Supplied/ Kiingitanga - Tuteri Rangihaeata
Tributes continue to flow for Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, acknowledging his quiet nature and focus on the future.
The Paramount Chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa died peacefully on Tuesday morning, with his wife Lady Susan Te Heuheu and whānau by his side.
Kiingitanga leader Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po expressed her profound sorrow at his passing and extended her aroha to the whānau pani, or bereaved family, and the wider iwi.
"A steadfast pillar of strength and mana within te ao Maaori, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa has long stood as an enduring support to Kiingitanga. Under three decades of leadership by Taa Tumu, this sacred connection, forged through generations of collaboration and upheld through times of challenge and triumph, has only grown stronger."
Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said he was a very whānau orientated person who always had the future at the top of his mind.
"Sir Tumu was a very quietly spoken leader but one with immense mana. He held his own with dignity and panache and even in our discussions Sir Tumu had a sense of humour as well."
His final public appearance was at this year's koroneihana at the beginning of September and Papa said even though Sir Tumu was in a wheelchair he was adamant that he wanted to be present one year after the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia, to show support for Te Arikinui.
"Even though he was only there for a short while it really meant a lot that he came out into the cold of the day and stayed for that short time, just to see his face, he kanohi kitea, is something that we hold dear and we cherish."
Papa said Sir Tumu's leadership was very quiet but solid, and he was a workhorse for te ao Māori.
"He lead the charge on so many things across Māoridom but he did it with that dignity and grace."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Sir Tumu was a fierce and humble leader for his people, their land and their waters, including the majestic Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupō.
"Our condolences to Lady Susan and all of his family, but also to Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the loss that they'll be feeling today," he said.
In a social media post Te Pāti Māori said "Te tapu i a koe nō te toi o ngā rangi, nō te hā o Te Atua. Haere atu rā e Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, moe mai rā i roto i ngā ringaringa o Te Atua."
"We are mourning Tā Tumu Te Heuheu, an unrelenting ariki who loved his whakapapa: tāngata and taiao alike," said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
"Tā Tumu was respected across Aotearoa for his kaitiakitanga, particularly as kaitiaki of Tongariro, the maunga tapu first gifted to the Crown by his ancestor Horonuku Te Heuheu Tūkino IV.
"Tā Tumu's last great battle was for Tongariro te maunga and the national park to be returned to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. There is nothing more noble than to fight for your whakapapa."
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters acknowledged his contribution towards the recognition of Tongariro National Park as a site of world heritage status.
"E Kara e Tumu, kua pokia te tihi o to maunga ki te kapua pouri. E tangi ana nga wai kei tō roto a Taupo-nui-a-Tia e aue ana te iwi mou ka ngaro nei, e hoki koe ki te kainga tuturu, ki tua o Paerau, haere atu ra, haere atu ra."
In a post on Facebook, Labour MP Peeni Henare wrote that Sir Tumu's humble and calm demeanor continues to serve as an example of traditional leadership.
"I have had the greatest honour spending time with Sir Tumu Te Heuheu in private and public. We served together on the Waitangi National Trust and continued to talk regularly about many of the issues he was passionate about. He would share his thoughts on the environment, Māori education and biculturalism in our country.
"But the thing he always talked to me about was succession planning and the growth of new leadership."
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said Sir Tumu was a man of great mana, who led his people with dignity and strength.
"I knew Tā Tumu personally over many years and admired and respected him deeply. His influence and leadership have made a huge mark, not just for his iwi and hapū but on the wider Taupō district and its people," he said.
The flag at the Great Lake Centre in Taupō will be flying at half-mast from Wednesday as a mark of respect.
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