Followers want more access to King

King Tuheitia and his wife, Te Atawhai, at Turangawaewae Marae yesterday to mark the third anniversary of his coronation. Photo / Greg Bowker

As King Tuheitia calls for more international interaction, frustration is building among his own people over a distance between him and iwi leaders.

Yesterday, the King addressed more than 2000 Maori from tribes around the country who had gathered to celebrate the third anniversary of his coronation.

In his speech, he said an invitation had been extended to United States President Barack Obama and the Sheikh of Dubai to visit New Zealand.

In April, the Herald reported the approach was made when a Kingitanga delegation visited the United Arab Emirates and New York.

King Tuheitia said he firmly believed Maoridom and the country could be an example for world leaders as they worked towards unity across the globe.

However, Ngati Porou's Selwyn Parata spoke about the need for a different kind of interaction.

He said iwi ariki - bluebloods - needed more access to the King.

"I think we need to have that discussion with them [the Kingitanga].

"My plea is that we share those ideas between the ariki that will move us forward."

That call was underscored by Ngati Maniapoto's Tui Adams, who said iwi had repeatedly spoken about re-instating a council around the King, but nothing had come of the idea.

"He needs a group of ariki, and not just a group of anybodies around him."

Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu said leaders had been "lax" forming that body, but it was a priority.

Tainui leader Tuku Morgan said iwi "would always have access to the King", most likely through an economic iwi leaders' forum which met earlier in the week.

Asked if that was the same as having a direct link to the monarch, Mr Morgan said it was.

On the issue of inviting world leaders to Turangawaewae, Mr Morgan said Tainui had met Prime Minister John Key for discussions.

The tribe would love to host President Obama here for the 2011 coronation celebrations, he said.

By inviting the Sheikh, Tainui were also building a relationship with the Emeratis, a group the iwi wanted to do business with.

"They bring scale and economic muscle - they're indigenous andthey share some common valueswith us. It makes good senseto build that relationship."

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said the Government was not involved with any of the discussions, but the chances of Mr Obama visiting New Zealand were low.

Nelson Mandela and many members of the British royal family had visited Turangawaewae Marae.

"But those are usually Government-to-Government invitations and the process is pretty intense," said the spokesman. "Given we're talking about the President of the United States, it's unlikely."