A Kiingitanga leader has described the thousands of people descending on Tūrangawaewae Marae to mourn Kīngi Tuheitia as a “flood of love”.
It’s the fourth day of mourning today, following Kīngi Tuheitia’s death, aged 69, in the early hours of Friday last week.
The Kiingitanga estimates about 9000 people are now on site.
Tekau-mā-rua – the 12 – is the Kiingitanga council, made up of 12 representatives.
Speaking to media today Tekau-mā-rua chairperson Che Wilson said people were coming to Tūrangawaewae, in Ngāruawāhia, from all over the country.
“It’s a flood – It’s a flood of love. It’s a flood of respect as we aspire for inspiration.
“There’s a saying, ‘kei te rapu te ao i te mea kei te ngaro’ (the world is searching for what’s missing) – we’re all looking for that thing that can connect us to each other as humanity.”
You can follow a live stream from Tūrangawaewae Marae here.
He said Kīngi Tuheitia had been able to do that, particularly in his last year of life.
In January this year the King issued a royal proclamation for a Hui aa Motu – nationwide meeting – for Māoridom to meet, unify and hold the Government to account. It was a unique and rare move for the monarch, which saw thousands meet to discuss the new Government’s policies, particularly that relating to Māori.
Wilson – who is also a former president of Te Pāti Māori – said that hui and others had connected Māori.
“And that’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for a pillar of hope. And that’s why people are coming here.”
Wilson said Kīngi Tuheitia’s recent visit to the Paris Olympics also showed he continued to put Māori on the world stage and be a leader “for all of us”.
“He really enjoyed being there. He was impressed by the care of the New Zealand team, and he was just excited to be around something that embraces te ao Māori in a really positive way and becomes a testament to the rest of the world – of who we are and what we can offer our nation, as well as the world.”
