KEY POINTS:
As the Kingitanga marks its 150th anniversary this week, two of its elder statesmen say while there's much to be proud of there are pressing issues the institution needs to sort out.
Turangawaewae Marae is expected to host thousands from all over the country for five days
from tomorrow to celebrate the crowning of the first Maori King, Potatau Te Wherowhero, in 1858.
Tainui kaumatua Hare Puke, 82, a close adviser for the previous leader, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, was looking forward to the event.
"There's a very, very strong feeling because you're reminiscing on 150 years of the Kingitanga - this is absolutely a time to celebrate, we're in a good mood.
"We've come from being one of the poorest iwi to one of the wealthiest in the country, that in itself is a reason to be thankful."
The landmark was also about the resilience of the oldest Maori institution in the country, something all iwi should take pride in, he said.
But troublingly, the momentum of discussions about what the Kingitanga's role is in a new era, as well as the establishment of an iwi council, had seemingly ground to a halt, Mr Puke said.
It seemed to have dropped off the radar of those driving the initiative.
"That's one of my biggest concerns. "My philosophy is unfinished business is bad business. It's a matter of fact that this is unfinished."
The way King Tuheitia was now treated was also a concern. An "aura" had been thrown up around the man by others which wasn't apparent with his mother, Mr Puke said.
"I consider sometimes it's over-respect.
"We should treat him as who he is - an ordinary person. If we treat him as higher, then we lose that humanistic aspect that Te Arikinui had."
Another tribal leader, Dr Tui Adams, said it was pleasing that since his crowning in 2006, Tuheitia had made an effort to get around the country and reaffirm links with iwi.
"He's met with all the major iwi.
"He's quietly moving around - he's doing it in a way that's not noticeable, that's encouraging."
But the King's speech writers have to get it right this year.
The first address at coronation celebrations in August where he underscored the importance of education was well short of the mark, Dr Adams said.
"It was pretty obvious he didn't write that speech, it wasn't like him."
Had Tuheitia chosen not to speak, "we would have excused him. And we would have waited a little longer."
THOUSANDS OF MOUTHS TO FEED
Between 15,000 and 25,000 Kingitanga supporters are expected at Turangawaewae Marae to mark the 150th anniversary of the movement.
Project manager Rahui Papa said the the five-day celebration would cost close to $250,000 but groups such as Te Puaha ki Manuka Marae ki Orakei, which represents 22 marae, drove down costs by providing koha in kind - kaimoana, meat, and vegetables to feed up to 5000 people a day.
Estimates put the value of that koha at $100,000.
Up to 500 workers will keep the event ticking over, and without that support the movement would fall over, he said.
A highlight of the festivities includes the launching of a new waka in honour of King Tuheitia. The craft will add to the Waikato Tainui fleet of Taheretikitiki, Rangatahi and Tumanako.
A re-enactment of the 1858 coronation of Potatau Te Wherowhero, the first Maori king, is also planned for Friday, but organiser Mamae Takerei said she was still looking for a make-up artist to work on the period drama.
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