Kiwi music legend and a son of Katikati Bunny Walters will be farewelled by whanau and friends at a service in Tokoroa today.

Bunny Te Kokiri Miha Waahi Walters died at Waikato Hospital surrounded by his family after a short illness on December 14. He was 63.

Born in Katikati and of Ngai Te Rangi descent, Bunny rose to prominence as a singer with hits like his first single ‘Just Out of Reach' released in 1969, as well as ‘Brandy', ‘Nearest Thing to Heaven', ‘Home Isn't Home Anymore' and ‘Take the Money and Run'.

Bunny was due to perform in his home town of Katikati at the community's Christmas in the Park event on December 3 at Moore Park, but event organiser Jacqui Knight says the singer had to cancel due to illness.

Bunny has been lying in state at Papa o te Aroha Marae in Tokoroa. His service will be held at the Elim Christian Church, Tokoroa, at 11am, followed by a private cremation.

-additional reporting: stuff.co.nz