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The oldest son of King Tuheitia has told the annual Koroneihana hui that young Māori are the leaders of tomorrow, but they need to be doing more today.
Whatumoana Paki has been standing in at official occasions since the Māori king stepped out of the limelight to address ongoing health issues.
Waatea reporter Miriama Wilson says Mr Paki made it clear the speech delivered on the seventh anniversary of his father’s coronation was his own creation.
King Tuheitia sat on the porch of Mahinarangi watching as his son spoke to the crowd of about 3000 people on the rain swept Tūrangawaewae marae.
Mr Paki said the Kingitanga was concerned about the prospects for its youth, with the loss of jobs at the Huntly West coal mine highlighting the difficult situation many were in.
He said Waikato Tainui will work on ways to use its settlement resources to enhance the prospects of its rangatahi.
He urged young people to become more involved in the life of the tribe.
Mr Paki said the Kingitanga Kaunihera was still concerned about the health of King Tuheitia.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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