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August 16, 2023
Zoom screen gone for post ngāngara Koroneihana
Adam Gifford
Posted On August 16, 2023
Download AudioTurangawaewae Marae is gearing up to host thousands of manuhiri for the annual hui marking the coronation of Kingi Tuheitia 17 years ago.
Kiingitanga spokersperson Rahui Papa says a commemorative dinner was held last night for the king’s predecessor, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
The marae is being prepared for Friday when Tainui start the hui by remembering those in the tribe who have died in the course of the year.
Covid has disrupted the hui in recent years, including the country going into lockdown on the eve of the kawe mate, and Mr Papa says he’s looking forward to saying haere ra to the ngāngara and getting back to normal tikanga.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the faces of the motu. It’s going to be sad – there’s been a significant number of rangatira across Tainui and across the motu that have passed on but I’m really looking forward to seeing the whites of the eyes of people and not on a Zoom screen but a kanohi,” Mr Papa says.
Other highlights of the hui include daily kapa haka, a tug of war competition, and the tug of war of all the political parties except ACT turning up on Sunday.
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