Maoridom awaits new leader

Dame Te Ata's coffin will be transferred from the waka via this barge for its final journey up Taupiri mountain. Picture / Sarah Ivey

King or Queen? The answer to that question is understood to be king.

For almost a week senior Tainui kaumatua, and at the weekend the country's iwi leaders, have been left to hammer out who should be named as successor to Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who died on Tuesday.

Around 9am today Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu is expected to announce the outcome of discussions and name the new monarch. Although the decision rests with the country's iwi leaders, a required genealogical link to the first Maori King, Potatau Te Wherowhero, means eligibility is open only to the children of Dame Te Ata, the King's great- great-great-grand-daughter.

Dame Te Ata's eldest child, daughter Heeni Katipa, and her eldest son, Tuheitia Paki, were the leading contenders.

In the months before her death the Queen is understood to have favoured her daughter as successor.

Heeni Katipa's gentle and calm nature, similar to that of her mother's, is seen as a circuit-breaker to the often testosterone-filled debates of the predominantly male-dominated Maori leadership.

A senior Tainui kaumatua who did not want to be named said the appearance of Dame Te Ata had often quelled heated debates seemingly heading towards coming to blows.

"There are things said and done that men will accept from a woman but not from a man. We can stand as warriors, but a woman can calm things down. I have seen it before on this very marae."

Another tribal member said the question being raised by tribal members and leaders was whether the country was again ready for a king.

Mr Paki and Ms Katipa have both fulfilled royal duties on their mother's behalf.

Ms Katipa, a widow, has no children and this was seen as a hindrance because she could not provide an heir.

Both would rely on and be supported by an influential but select group of cultural and political advisers, a situation the tribal elder said would overcome the political innocence the siblings share.


The leading contenders

Tuheitia Paki, 51

Tainui cultural adviser Te Wananga o Aotearoa, formerly campus manager for wananga in Huntly.

Educated at Rakaumanga School, Huntly, and St Stephen's College, Bombay.

Married to Te Atawhai, has three children, Whatumoana, Korotangi and Naumai.

Described as very hardworking and humble.

A senior tribal elder said Mr Paki would be a committed servant of the people.

Has a strong background in cultural performance, a member of Huntly- based Taniwharau Culture Group, which recently toured Europe.

Positives: favoured by several influential iwi eager to see the return of a King. Has been nurtured by influential and knowledgeable tribal elder Tui Adams, assisted by respected Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu.

Cons: A female monarch is seen as less confrontational by a number of tribal elders.


Heeni Katipa, 53

Educated at Rakaumanga School and Queen Victoria College. Trust Waikato board member since 2002.

Worked in various tribal roles including financial manager for Tainui Maori Trust Board, property revenue manager.

Widowed by the death of her husband, Rani, in 2004. Has no children.

Described as quiet but strong, kind and considerate. Decisive when required.

Positives: The first choice of Dame Te Ata, but a senior tribal source said opposition from influential iwi forced a change of heart in Dame Te Ata a few weeks before her death.

Ms Katipa has strong support from a number of iwi leaders and influential groupings who believe a woman is better suited to the role.

A senior kaumatua said a queen was less likely to cause offence to a predominantly male-dominated hierarchy in traditional Maori leadership. "Woman are great healers and peacemakers."

Cons: An absence of children and therefore an heir.