August 26, 2014
King’s illness forces rethink
Kingitanga advisors will today discuss who will represent King Tuheitia while he tackles a further bout of illness.
The king last week signalled his intention to return to full duties after taking almost a year off to tackle diabetes and cancer.
But he was checked back in to Waikato Hospital on Monday with what turned out to be discomfort associated with his diabetes.
He is expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.
Spokesperson Tukoroirangi Morgan says it's a temporary setback.
"Clearly he enunciated his challenge of overcoming diabetes at the Coronation some days ago. It is an ongoing challenge. But we are confident that once he is well, he wants to come back to work," he says.
Over the past year the king's oldest son, Whatumoana Paki, has been making appearances in place of his father, but Mr Morgan says it has not been decided whether that arrangement will continue.
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