The family of George Nepia has returned the All Blacks' legend's son home to the East Coast - more than 60 years after he died abroad serving as a soldier.

Mr Nepia's son, also named George, died in Singapore while serving with the Fijian Battalion in 1954.

He was one of twenty-eight defence personnel repatriated from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore in a ceremony at Auckland Airport yesterday.

Today, George Nepia's koiwi (remains) made their way to the small East Coast settlement of Tikitiki.

A service was held at St Mary's Church - which Sir Āpirana Ngata set up as a memorial to the Māori men from the East Coast (Tairāwhiti) who fought and died during World War One.

A pōwhiri was then held to welcome him home onto Hinepare Marae near Rangitukia.

The New Zealand defence force led his coffin onto the Marae and he was followed by his loved ones who were carrying his photos.

Joe Naden, a younger cousin to George, said it was sad his parents George and Te Huinga weren't able to see him return home.

"They had high hopes for him and that's why his death at the age of 24 was so tragic."

George, was being touted as a future All Blacks' fullback and was also the head boy at Gisborne High School - receiving the school's dux award when he was 16.

Mr Naden followed the hearse carrying his cousin's koiwi all the way from Auckland.

"I was in my car on my own so my thoughts all the way were about the guy lying in the back of that hearse.

"All the memories just flooded back and I was able to stand here (at the Mmarae) and deliver them."

George will be buried alongside his parents and brothers at the family urupa or cemetery tomorrow.