Former Maori All Blacks captain Dinny Ratema Mohi has died after being involved in a car crash.
The 85-year-old was on his way to an ANZAC Day Ohinemutu dawn service in Rotorua when the accident occurred.
His daughter Wendy had been driving the car when they collided with oncoming traffic while rounding a bend.
He started his rugby career at Old Boys in Rotorua before representing Bay of Plenty from 1961 to 1977, playing 156 matches.
Following his retirement from footy, Mohi picked up the tennis racket and became a familiar face at the Aotearoa Maori Tennis Championships.
He played so much that his contribution was formally recognised when he was made a lifetime member of Maori tennis by the Kingitanga at Ngaruawahia.
Dinny Mohi was killed in a car crash while on the way to an ANZAC Day dawn service
He played 156 times for Bay of Plenty between 1961 and 1977
Following his stellar rugby career he took to tennis, becoming a familiar face at the Aotearoa Maori Tennis Championships
Wendy told The New Zealand Herald she suffered two broken ribs and a broken sternum, but the ‘crash took my papa.’
‘It’s nowhere near the mamae I feel for losing my papa. He was a legend in so many ways but to us he was Papa and we loved him with all of our hearts.
‘We will carry him with us forever.’
Wendy went on to describe her father as loving but hard, ‘We grew up in a different generation and he taught us amazing values and that has come down to us and his moko, who have grown to be really good, kind people who are out there doing the dos.
‘Half of our whanau from the marae, he named all of them and we don’t know their full names to this day.
‘We will not let him down.’
In an emotional tribute on Facebook, Te Arawa FM wrote, ‘Rotorua farewells respected kaumatua and rugby stalwart Dinny Mohi.
‘Rotorua is mourning the loss of Dinny Ratema Mohi Morehu, a deeply respected kaumatua, devoted whanau man, and proud representative of his people, who passed away on April 25, aged 85.
A much-loved husband to Val, cherished Papa to Dean, Wendy and Huia, and adored koro to eight moko and four mokomoko, Dinny’s legacy is one of service, humility, and unwavering commitment to whānau and community.
‘An uri of Ngati Rangiwewehi and Ngati Tuwharetoa, he carried his whakapapa with pride throughout his life.
‘Dinny was widely known for his outstanding contribution to rugby. He represented Bay of Plenty Rugby with distinction from 1961 to 1977, playing 156 matches, and went on to wear the jersey of the Maori All Blacks for more than a decade.
‘In 1969, he captained the side — a reflection of both his skill and leadership on and off the field.
‘Beyond rugby, Dinny remained committed to sport and community, becoming a familiar face at the Aotearoa Maori Tennis Championships.
‘His contribution was formally recognised when he was made a Life Member of Māori Tennis by the Kingitanga at Ngaruawahia.
‘His passing leaves a significant void, not only for his immediate whanau but for the many communities he touched throughout his life.’
