The 17th annual koroneihana hui in honour of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII kicked off at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia this morning with the raising of the Kiingitanga flag.
The king’s chief of staff, Ngira Simmonds, says thousands of attendees from across the motu are expected, including representatives of crown and community agencies and political parties.
He says the gathering is a chance to reaffirm the important partnership between te Iwi Maaori and institutions of the Crown and civil society.
Today will be taken up with the kawe mate for Tainui rangatira and whaanaunga, with a similar day of reflection tomorrow and remembrance for leaders across the motu who have died during the year.
Sunday is for the political parties, as well as announcing the winner of the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award.
