A powerful haka raised goosebumps for the almost 4000 mourners at Invercargill's Rugby Park Stadium yesterday.
Family, friends and loved ones were among those who gathered on a grey, still day to farewell the four men whose bodies were recovered after the Easy Rider, with nine people on board, sank in Foveaux Strait last Thursday.
Maori customs were honoured throughout the two-and-a-half-hour ceremony for John "Dukes" Karetai (58), Peter "Peter-Boy" Pekamu-Bloxham (53), Shane Topi (29) and Boe Pikia-Gillies (28).
Mourners stood as family members carried in each coffin to be laid on a small stage.
Waitai were performed and each coffin was adorned with photographs, trinkets and flowers.
Officiator Michael Skerrett began formalities in Maori, welcoming all to the service.
Mr Karetai's daughter Jasmine said he would be remembered as a respectful man who loved muttonbirding, camping with his mokopuna, fishing and hunting.
He loved the Titi [Muttonbird] Islands, she said.
"Muttonbirding was in his blood before he was born. Dad has come full circle - from going to the islands before his first breath, to his last."
Mr Karetai died doing what he loved and would be dearly missed.
Mr Pekamu-Bloxham had a passion for shearing, was a jack of all trades who never minced his words, and was unstoppable if he set his mind to something, a loved one said.
He had a huge heart, would do anything for anyone and would be fondly remembered as a "beautiful man" with adorable dimples.
"He was the big brother that everyone wanted."
Mr Topi, a talented rugby league player, was at home in Invercargill or the West Coast and was well respected, a relative said.
The life and soul of any party, he was an expert "moon-walker" and loved to "boogie".
He worked as bouncer at one stage and it was suggested Mr Topi would be "sorting out any problems St Peter might have at the pearly gates".
An uncle of Mr Pikia-Gillies spoke of the young man's friendly, inquisitive nature.
He was a hit with everyone, particularly children, and was described as a gentle giant.
Mr Pikia-Gillies loved going to the Titi Islands and once told his mother he would live there if he could.
Throughout the service, photographs of the four men were shown on two large screens, as specially selected songs were played.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt spoke of nature's power and the sheer energy created in Foveaux Strait at the meeting of two massive oceans.
"All we can do is hold each other, grieve together and, on behalf of the people of Southland, we share with you today that tragic loss and we will do everything we can to stand by you," Mr Shadbolt said.
Officiator Gwen Neave, of Stewart Island, captured the immensity of the families' loss and that of the wider community.
"Just one week ago, the sinking of the Easy Rider cast a pall over the beginning of this year's muttonbirding season.
"It shocked the communities of Bluff and Riverton and the wider Southland area, and indeed the whole country focused on the horror and drama of Easy Rider's fate and was united by the desire for a miracle rescue of all on board," she said.
Ms Neave acknowledged the four still missing, saying they had not been forgotten in the midst of funeral rituals.
She gave thanks for the return of sole survivor Dallas Reedy, "whose story of survival was certainly miraculous and testament to his mental and physical strength, his tenacity and his spirit".
Everyone involved in the search for the nine on board the Easy Rider was thanked.
Mention was made of a trust fund which was being established to help finance the search for those still missing, and to help support their families.
