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Kingitanga leaders have put out a call for a new body to push for Maori self-determination.
Waikato-Tainui executive chair Rahui Papa, who raised the idea of a kahui rangatira at the Kokohinau Poukai in Te Teko on Sunday, says there is a longstanding call for expressions of mana Maori motuhake which can work alongside mainstream political organisations.
While the Kingitanga will be an integral part, the aim is to gather in all iwi and national Maori organisations.
"Almost every iwi is represented at the initial discussions. There's also representation from Maori groups like Kohanga Reo, like Wahine Maori Toko I Te Ora, like the Maori Council so it's open to everybody that just wants to find a way, based on our tikanga, based on our traditional pursuits, and based on the way we play as Maori that we play in this ever changing world," says Mr Papa.
The Kahui Rangatira it is likely to be a topic of discussion at Ratana this week and at the Waitangi hui in the Bay of Islands next month.
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