August 18, 2016
Whakawhanaungatanga and tribal pride on display at Koroneihana
More than 2000 people thronged the grounds of Turangawae Marae in Ngaruawahia today enjoying the korero and whakawhanaungatanga that is a hallmark of the annual Koroneihana hui.
Waatea reporter Dale Husband joined those acknowledging the first decade of King Tuheitia's leadership of the Kingitanga.
He says a thick fog lifted by lunchtime as ope from around the country gathered to reconfirm their connections to the Kingitanga.
Speakers from Tuwharetoa, Te Taitokerau, and Tairawhiti have remembered those who passed on in the year gone.
There's a strong presence of rangatahi, including tauira from kura and kohanga, a reminder of those who will carry the kaupapa forward in years to come.
While it's the politicians day tomorrow, a number including Labour's Peeni Henare and the Maori Party's Marama Fox were at Turangawaewae for te Kawe Mate o Te Motu.
Many more iwi and hapu are expected for tomorrow's important return of the Rangiriri battle ground to Waikato Tainui, including a mass mau taiaha roopu.
The occasions reaffirm the Koroneihana for our people to air their concerns and show support for each other.
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