By Ingrid Hipkiss
Moko the dolphin’s send off was impressive by any standard – a parade through town in a specially made blue coffin.
Then there was a memorial service at Maatatua Reserve where hundreds had gathered - including many children who had been enchanted by Moko.
See footage of Moko the dolphin here
Local Maori feel particularly close to Moko - they believe the dolphin’s ancestors helped guide their ancestors here hundreds of years ago.
Ill-feeling that Moko will not be buried in Whakatane was put to the side as the community joined in harmony to remember their friend.
See a photogallery of Moko's finest moments here
“We used to bring the family down to see the dolphin, it was quite a buzz for the community,” said Sam Clark.
“Moko used to like to taunt us, he'd come up under our boat and we were his play things,” said another bystander.
Before his death some people had complained that Moko had become more aggressive as he matured.
But people were forgiving today.
“As he got close I got scared because he's huge, but you soon get to know he's very gentle,” said Kim Le Bagge.
See a photogallery of Moko's finest moments here
Moko will be buried at Matakana Island tomorrow, but because public access to the island is limited, today was the public's only chance to say goodbye.
It may never be known what killed Moko, but the people here are just happy they got to share some of his life.
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