The last of the “Gum Diggers” has passed away.

Charlie Petera, the final member of the A-Company of the 28th Maori Battalion died at his home in Ngataki, Northland last night surrounded by his whanau.

Mr Petera was 91 years old.

Charlie Petera was born and grew up in Te Hapua.

When he returned from serving in World War Two, he settled in Ngataki, became a farmer and there he brought up his family.

Mr Petera is highly regarded as a repository for Ngati Kuritanga and was a powerful orator with mana.

The tangi for Charlie Petera is being held at Wai Ora Marae Ngataki with the funeral to be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday.