Hundreds of Tainui gathered at Tuurangawaewae Marae to pay respect to their loved ones who've passed away recently.
The children of the Berryman-Shortland family are experiencing the event for the first time. They are at King Tuheitia's 10th Coronation in honour of their father, former All Black and New Zealand Māori player Norman Berryman.
Eldest son, 19-year old Terrell Shortland-Berryman says, “It was a little intimidating standing out there and seeing this. This is the first time I’ve been on this Marae so being called on to it, we are lucky that we have had so many people around us to help us through this.”
The immediate family have travelled from Perth in Australia and recently attended the Norm Berryman Memorial Tournament in Whangarei at the weekend.
“It’s awesome for all these families to come out and you know not knowing anyone going through what you’re going through it’s a big step forward for our family.”
The Kawe Mate is a long-held tradition which has been part of the Coronation celebrations since its inception.
For more on this story watch Te Kāea tonight 5:30pm.