August 21, 2017
Kingitanga put front and centre of politics
The Maori king has reiterated his support for the Maori Party saying the election of Rahui Papa would put the kingitanga front and centre politically.
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero V11 spoke at the end of the Koroneihana hui at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia today.
He addressed criticism of his decision to back the Maori Party and praising its coalition with National and the decision of Mr Papa to leave the post of Waikato Tainui executive chair and stand for Hauraki Waikato.
"I have chosen to put the kingitanga front and centre politically and secure it in its rightful place where it can be relevant and useful to Maoridom and all New Zealanders. I will not allow us to be relegated to the back rooms and the back benches any more," he said.
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero V11 also revealed he was undergoing medical treatment in Taiwan after a diabetes-related amputation of part of his foot did not heal properly and he urged Maori to take part in organ donation programmes.
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