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National | Ngāi Tūhoe

Te Uruhina McGarvey farewelled in Ruatoki

Hundreds converged onto Waikirikiri Marae, Ruatoki, to farewell a pillar of the community, Te Uruhina McGarvey.

More commonly known as 'Nanny Uru', McGarvey was a strong advocate for education, Māori customs and language, and played a fundamental role within tribal issues.

She was very much a familiar face on marae throughout Tūhoe and Mātaatua regions and was an exponent in the art of karanga.

Waihoroi Shortland of Ngāti Hine travelled from Northland to be at the funeral today and said that Te Uruhina was the voice that guided Tūhoe during hard times.

At 87 years of age, she leaves behind her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our reporter, Mere Mclean will have more on this tonight on Te Kāea at 5:30pm.