Thousands of people filled St Joseph's Cathedral in Dunedin today to farewell celebrated artist Ralph Hotere ONZ.
People of all ages and social strata attended the 11am Requiem Mass, providing a canvas of the artist's far-ranging influence and popularity.
A Maori cloak was draped across the coffin, while his ONZ medal and a smiling photo of his investiture sat on top.
Speakers included Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson, Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples and poet Professor Bill Manhire, while the artist's widow, Mary McFarlane, and daughter, Andrea Hotere-Naish, were among family in attendance.
Dr Sharples recalled his old friend's mischievous humour, raising loud laughter.
''He used to try to finish Hone Tuwhare's poem off.''
Other speakers recalled his humble, gentle and respectful nature and contribution to New Zealand art.
Hotere was widely-considered New Zealand's greatest living artist until his death in Dunedin at midday last Sunday, aged 81.
Earlier, in the day, residents and local school children lined the streets of Careys Bay and Port Chalmers to pay their respects as his coffin passed through his township for the last time, in a black, antique 1927 Chrysler hearse.
It was just four years old when the artist was born.
Hotere was awarded the Order of New Zealand in the 2012 New Year's Honours in recognition of his contribution to contemporary art.
Today, he returns to the Matihetihe marae, in his Mitimiti birthplace, for the tangi.
