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An elder of great standing among Ngati Rangitihi and Ngati Awa,
Mr Pryor passed away due to heart attack on Sunday night
at the age of 79.
Today he was remembered for his ability to uplift others.
The Tuteao flag flapping in the wind
as the masses arrive to pay their respects to Henry Pryor.
Mataatua, Te Arawa, Tainui and Ngati Tuwharetoa have come
to pay their respects to him.
His wife and children are in their second day of mourning.
He was remembered
as a promoter and speaker of the Ngati Rangitihi dialect.
Whenever an elder died,
he was there to assist
and guide the people in their times
of need with culture and language.
Praised for his ability to bring people together,
he was also a keen rugby player.
But his greatest skill was his determination.
He was a man who didn't hold anything back.
He shared what he thought openly.
He wasn't one to wait.
If something had to be done he'd get to it.
This attitude extended to his work on iwi land issues,
which includes the Kaingaroa Forest.
In fact, Sir Tumu Te Heuheu sought him out for assistance.
He was a knowledgeable man who stood with him
to assist us all in getting the land back.
He wouldn't listen to the doctors.
He kept on going right up until he passed away.
Tomorrow at 11am,
final farewells will take place.
Then, Henare Pryor will be taken to Matariua Cemetery
to be laid to rest with his son, mother, and older siblings.
Kereama Wright, Te Karere.