Hi,

My name is Tim Marney, close friend of Mike E. It is with great sadness to share that Mike passed away unexpectedly in Albuquerque New Mexico last week.

He is a proud Maori from Aotearoa and he made his wishes for cultural practices upon the death of his body very clear to me. He wanted for his body to be repatriated to his tribal Marae, his whanau and Iwi land Ngāti Ruanui and be buried next to his māmā and in accordance with cultural traditions so that has soul can rest in Hawaiki - the sacred place of his ancestors.

Mike had not envisaged leaving so soon and had not made provision for his repatriation to Aotearoa. I had given him my promise to ensure this happened on many occasions over the past ten or so years during his health battles.

In order to honour that commitment, I am seeking to raise funds to contribute to the costs of honouring his cultural wishes. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

In loving memory and honour of MIke E.

Kia Kaha