Mita Mohi, New Zealand rugby league player, Died at 78

  Sports

Mita Hikairo Mohi was born in 1938, and died on November 20, 2016.

He was a New Zealand exponent and teacher of the art of traditional Māori weaponry and a former rugby league player

Mohi represented his country at the 1972 World Cup.

Mohi was born of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent.

Whilst he was still a child he learned the use of the taiaha from his father.

His early working life was spent as a train driver for New Zealand Railways.

During the 1995 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for service to youth.

Along with his wife, Mohi received a Rotorua District Council community award for voluntary services in 2007.

Mohi was recognized for his longstanding and ongoing contribution to mau rākau at the 2012 National Waiata Māori Music Awards, where he received the Keeper of Traditions Award, and the 2012 Te Waka Toi Awards, where he was awarded the Ngā Tohu o Tā Kīngi Īhaka (Sir Kīngi Īhaka award).

Mita Mohi passed away at 78 years old.