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Prominent Ngapuhi member Erima Henare says there is no support in the north for a call to unseat the Maori king.
Maverick David Rankin says he will call a national hui on behalf of Ngapuhi later in the year to discuss ending the kingitanga.
Mr Henare says if Mr Rankin has concerns about the performance of King Tuheitia, he should raise them at next week’s Koroneihana hui at Turangawaewae.
He says the claims are insulting, lack any basis in fact and show ignorance of the relationship Ngapuhi has maintained with the kingitanga since Patuone and Waka Nene endorsed the mantle going to Potatau Te Whereowhere and his descendants.
"Then he has the temerity to say the king is a truck driver king. Well, it's pretty rich coming from a guy who is a plumber come media commentator. It disparages not just the king and the role that he holds, but also all truck drivers and others who make up the fabric of our great country and who do work and service for our people. It's just nit picking stuff but it's enough to raise people hackles," Mr Henare says.
He says David Rankin’s grandfather Hone Heke Rankin was a regular visitor to Turangawaewae, and during the tangi for King Tuheitia’s grandfather put the case on behalf of Ngapuhi for the body to be taken to the north for burial.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ERIMA HENARE CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MjA1Nzg=
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