Coming up on Te Karere... Awanuiarangi Black's body is returned to his marae. Waikato - Tainui visit Taupiri hoping for good vibes as the Maori king goes for surgery. And iwi leaders are in Blenheim hoping to resolve major Maori issues. 01 December 2016 Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. The Maori world is reeling at the death of Tauranga Moana leader Awanui Black. The passionate, popular and charismatic leader was just 48 years old. This morning, his body was taken to Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae, sparking appropriate expressions of emotion, energy and custom. Reporter Roihana Nuri was also there and filed this report. Here's the moment Awanuiarangi Black returned home. Waves of his Tauranga people gathering to say farewell. His own people are still shocked by the news of his passing. It's no wonder hundreds have gathered here at Te Whetu o te Rangi Marae today. Elders alike, young people also, and even former MPs among the many who will pay their respects and say goodbye. If Awa was standing before you right now what would you say? Thank you for the time we all shared with you - what more can be said. For you are inside your house with your family and people Awanuiarangi. Roihana Nuri, Te Karere. Awanui Black was clearly an important and popular leader within Tauranga Moana, but he also created a legacy nationally. Te Okiwa McLean looks back on a life that spanned Maori language advocacy, kapa haka, education, and even politics. A mighty orator, exponent in Tauranga Moana history, and a leader in Maori knowledge. He was a strong advocate for Maori causes across the Bay of Plenty, such as when the Rena ran wrecked outside of Tauranga Moana. He was a vocal supporter of the 'Homai Te Ra' campaign which sought to have the land wars history taught as a compulsory component in the national curriculum. He served as a commissioner for Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori and was a representative on Te Matawai. Contributions were made by him for Pataka Kupu. He also lectured in Maori subjects. He also had a role with the Maori Party. He is survived by his children and partner. The country is in shock from this sudden passing. To our esteemed fellow of Tauranga, our proud Nga Potiki man, you've left far too soon. Te Okiwa McLean, Te Karere. Maori King Tuheitia received a transplant yesterday, the donor none other than his 21-year-old son Korotangi. In a sign of the seriousness of the situation tribal members have gathered at Te Puea Marae in South Auckland to pray for Tuheitia's health. There's no word yet on the success of the operation at Auckland Hospital. But the unexpected arrival at the marae last night of the king's eldest son Whatumoana would have eased some concerns. It's understood the king and his son are being monitored in Auckland Hospital's high dependency unit. The Iwi Leaders Group have gathered in Blenheim today with a raft of issues on the table to discuss. Ministers of the Crown will also front up and it is hoped that some of the major outstanding issues can be resolved. The current changes to the legislation for the care and protection of children is one area iwi say they must play a major role in. Iwi should have a role in caring for children who come under state care. It was a statement made before the Minister of Social Development, Anne Tolley. She is one of six ministers who attended the Iwi Leaders Forum. Iwi from the northern tip of the South Island wanted issues that affect iwi nationally to be discussed. Such as the long standing issue of fresh water rights. And the meeting was full of different issues affecting iwi all over the country. Tomorrow Government ministers will receive a whakatau. Irena Smith, Te Karere. After the break we have Hone Harawira live in the studio and are Maori and Pacific Islanders at greater risk of acquiring HIV? Get your child covered for free with NIB Health Insurance. If you're a parent, get NIB's top private hospital plus by December 31 and we'll cover one of your little whippersnappers for free. Hurry - offer ends 31 December. So buy online or call us on 0800 123 NIB. Hone Harawira, thank you for your time. Today is World AIDS Day, but while there have been many advances concerning this disease. A long-time sufferer of HIV and Maori AIDS advocate hopes to see attitudes and misconceptions change too. Hania Douglas reports. AIDS is a disease rarely discussed in NZ. Marama Pala was infected with HIV in 1993. Since then, medicine has come a long way, but Pala says the Crown still has a responsibility to support sufferers. But the same can't be said for attitudes of the masses, and this soldier for the cause says Maori have a lot to learn. Marama Pala believes it's her life's purpose to spread the word about this disease. She might just be a role model for the kind of life sufferers of these diseases can lead. Hania Douglas, Te Karere. Although a second geyser has suddenly appeared from Lake Rotorua. Experts say it's not linked to the recent spate of earthquakes. These pictures show boiling black water from Rotorua's shoreline were captured by local Hohepa Timihou. The activity's not thought to be related to this month's earthquakes but it isn't being ruled out. More geysers are unlikely, but possible. However, more understanding may be possible soon. For the past while the navy has been mapping the geothermally active lake floor in minute detail. After the break, we have the weather. Get your child covered for free with NIB Health Insurance. If you're a parent, get NIB's top private hospital plus by December 31 and we'll cover one of your little whippersnappers for free. Hurry - offer ends 31 December. So buy online or call us on 0800 123 NIB. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki.