King Tuheitia. Photo / Sarah Ivey
A political council for the Kingitanga movement is still possible even though there has been little action on the idea over the past year.
After the death of the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, last August, iwi discussed in November the future politicisation of the movement.
A board
made up of iwi leaders to support King Tuheitia was part of the plan. However, the ill-health of a leader critical to its success, Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu (who had bypass surgery), and a desire to give Tuheitia time to connect with Tainui people had meant little movement on the issue over the last year, northern leader Erima Henare said.
He said constitutional matters such as the status of the Treaty of Waitangi and whether Maori were entitled to own water were two big issues the board could become involved in.
The board would work under the Kingitanga "umbrella" but King Tuheitia would remain removed from it, Mr Henare said.
"I think the King should always remain above politics but the council can become a catalyst to do things on his behalf."
Mr te Heuheu wants iwi to meet at Pukawa on the shores of Lake Taupo - the place where Maori began their search for a king nearly 150 years ago - before Christmas to start working out specifics such as the structure of the board.
He believes it's a forum Maori can use to push issues that are important to them and the meeting would be about getting a mandate from iwi for the committee.
Mr te Heuheu said it would work only if all iwi supported the idea.
"I think the important thing is that everyone participates. I keep talking about being inclusive right from the smallest to the biggest iwi."
There was strength in unity, and without it Maori would find it difficult to get issues moving.
