Tributes have been flowing this week for one of the Eastern Bay’s music legends, Tait Kora, who died on Tuesday, a day short of his 69^th birthday.

Leanne Malcolm, one of his more recent friends, was unable to make it back to Whakatāne for his funeral yesterday but has recorded her feelings about the loss – a loss felt by the many people Tait has connected with over the years whether through music or his involvement in sport.

Whakatāne has lost a beautiful human and a staunch supporter of the arts with the passing of Tait Kora this week.

I know many people will be feeling the pain of his loss and I know there will be many who are more qualified than I to talk about his life and achievements.

But I feel compelled to write these words to remember my experiences with him and honour his work in music.

I only met Tait a year ago, when I went to his quirky Tait5 Music and Coffee Bar to look at buying a guitar.

He had exactly what I needed! A beautiful Cort acoustic - as he said at the time “I know my guitars pretty well.”

We mucked around a bit with a few songs; I sang alongside him while he played in his unique style.  It was so relaxed and so fun and of course, I bought the guitar.  It sounded and looked lovely.

Then Tait suggested we sing together at an Under the Rakau session.

We got together a few times in Salonika Street, singing and playing some of my originals and also trying out a few classics like Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice and Gillian Welch’s Miss Ohio.

I always left feeling on top of the world, Tait had a great demeanour, he was a character with an infectious laugh, and his love and knowledge of music was obvious. I loved hearing him play his guitars and singing - so accomplished!

The gig was all set to take place at Easter this year, but unfortunately a cyclone and rubbish weather forecast for the entire holiday break forced a postponement.

The new date was December 6 this year.   We figured it’d be warm and sunny and perfect for an outdoors show in my hometown and at his peaceful venue.

I can’t believe it’s not going to happen now.

Tait and I did work on a song I’d written about growing up in Whakatāne, he added this cool reggae touch and it was starting to take shape.  Now he’s gone, I’m more keen than ever to record this song in his memory.

Whakatāne was so lucky to have Taite5, it hosted everything from opera to pop and I really hope it continues in some form.

Tait, I’m so grateful to you for supporting my musical journey.  I know you’ve backed a lot of local musicians and you have enriched the community more than you probably realised.

Go well. Haere ra, e te hoa, haere atu ra me te aroha.