Māoridom has spent the week commemorating the eighth Māori monarch Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
The traditions and customs of the Kiingitanga trace back to the mid 1850s when iwi came together on the shores of Lake Taupō to discuss the idea of appointing a King.
The role was eventually offered to a rangatira of great mana, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero who after initially declining, accepted the role. Today the home of Te Kiingitanga is Tuurangawaewae in Ngaaruawaahia and for many generations Waikato whānau have devoted their entire lives to serving their monarch.
One of those people is Rahui Papa, spokesperson or mangai mo te Kiingitanga. He talks to Mihingarangi at Tuurangawaewae.
Kiingitangi spokesperson Rahui Papa at Tuurangawaewae Marae on 4 September 2024 for the tangihanga of Kiingi Tuheitia. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
