August 19, 2018
Thousands gather for Kiingitanga
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern was absent from this year’s Koroneihana hui as the Kiingitanga tries to cope with fall out from a scathing attack on the Māori king by one of his former advisers.
It was left to Labour Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis to fly the flag for the Government at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, attending a church service yesterday morning with Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare, National Party leader Simon Bridges and National's Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
Tukoroirangi Morgan, whose letter accusing King Tūheitia of being manipulated by his secretary Rangi Whakaruru was leaded last week, was overseas, but he has challenged the king to a confrontation at the next poukai at Waahi Pa in Huntly.
The drama around the leadership had little effect on the majority of attendees who were there for the traditional rituals of kawe mate, to show their loyalty to the Kiingitanga, or to participate in sports or kapa haka.
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