The people of Muriwhenua have lost a treasured tohunga with the death of the renowned master weaver Riria Smith.
Mrs Smith died peacefully on Wednesdayaged 77 after a long illness and her tangi is being held at Te Ohaaki Marae in Ahipara.
Te Rarawa's chairman, Haami Piripi says Mrs Smith was born with raranga or weaving in her blood following after her mother and was influenced by other Far North kuia or elderly women.
He says she comes from the Pene whanau of Ngati Kuri and worked amongst the Te Rarawa iwi and was a very traditional weaver in that she never made money off her work.
Mr Piripi says Mrs Smith was known both in Aotearoa and overseas for her skill in traditional weaving techniques - and her work hangs in Te Papa and other museums as well as gracing whare throughout the north.
He says many of her relatives and friends are making their way to Te Ohaaki Marae in time for her funeral, which is planned for Friday.
