The sun has set!

To the esteemed leaders of our marae and beyond, to the songbirds of the mountains who listen and share stories, to the upholders of our customs, this notice is given to you that the eyes of Tītoki have closed.

She has returned to her mountains, her rivers, and her ancestors. She was a woman guided by her elders, who worked tirelessly to ensure that our children and grandchildren would hold onto our language and customs.

Tītoki will be returned to her marae at Ōhotu, of the Te Whānau Pani hapū, after the Tūhoe gathering today.

At 10am this Thursday, the final prayers for her will begin, and then she will be carried to rest alongside her parents and elders.

So rest, Tī, in your peaceful sleep.
Rise up and continue the work of revitalizing the language!
You will emerge into the world of light,
The land will be renewed,
The ocean will surge,
And the people will mourn you.
You have departed to join your ancestors,
To Mate, to Pirau, to Naro-ki-te-pō,
Love will endure in the hearts of the people,
May the steps be firm, the blood flow, the foot be stained with blood,
Death comes as a feast!

From the Te Whānau Pani hapū.