The highly respected leader Ta Hirini Moko Mead died at the age of 99.

A descendant of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe and Tūhourangi, Mead was an educator, author, iwi leader and one of the currators of the landmark Te Māori exhibition.

Respected academic Tā Hirini Moko Mead has died, aged 99.