Tributes are pouring in for Government House kaumatua Piri Sciascia , who died yesterday

Minister for Maori Development Nanaia Mahuta says Sciascia was a staunch advocate for Maori Development and served his people for over five decades in the arts, tertiary and Maori development sector.

She says he was a great believer in Maori realising their potential.

Sciascia was fond of the arts and was a known face at kapa haka competitions, as a composer of haka and waiata.

Mahuta says he was fearless in the way he advocated for Maori issues, and always did so in a statesman-like style.