Succession debate may delay burial

Debate over the choice of a successor to the Maori Queen may delay her burial, planned for Monday.

Tainui kaumatua Dr Tui Adams says the burial of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, revered leader of the Kingitanga (King Movement), will not go ahead until a new King or Queen has been selected.

"There is a hope it will occur on Monday, but there are no guarantees. If the motu [country] can't make a decision on Monday, then obviously it will need to be extended."

Tradition holds that the coronation of the new monarch will occur before Dame Te Ata is laid to rest.

"These arrangements that have been made do not sound like they have come from those with the authority to make them," Dr Adams said.

The Herald understands that the eldest son of Dame Te Ata, Tuheitia Paki, is favoured to take over the helm.

But a number of senior tribal members have spoken of strong support from influential tribal groupings for the oldest of Dame Te Ata's seven children, Heeni Katipa.

Both siblings have attended royal duties on behalf of their mother in the past and have been trained in Kingitanga protocol.

Dr Adams said no decision had been made on who would be King or Queen and none would be forthcoming until Monday.

He said the leaders of the country's main iwi would make the final decision.

While it was possible a new Kingitanga leader could be drawn from outside Tainui, it had never happened before and was unlikely now.

"The whakapapa [lineage] lies here, the most senior whakapapa lies here."

King Potatau Te Wherowhero was appointed the first Maori King in 1858 because of an impeccable whakapapa linking him to all of the main Kingitanga iwi, the wealth of his Waikato iwi and his strong mana.

Dr Adams said while Tuwharetoa paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu had similarly impressive lineage, he doubted the Taupo-based iwi had the resources to maintain the Kingitanga movement.

Mr te Heuheu, who was recently appointed chair of Unesco World Heritage, told Te Kaia Maori Television news last night that he would consider accepting the position if asked.

The issue of succession was also mentioned in a speech from the leader of iwi with the most members, Ngapuhi. Chairman Sonny Tau said last night that if the leadership of the Kingitanga did not go to a direct descendant of Dame Te Ata's, Ngapuhi would lodge its interest in assuming the mantle.

Dr Adams said he was surprised by the report of Mr te Heuheu's comments, as the pair had been instrumental in the training of Tuheitia Paki as a future King.

"Tuheitia has been under my wing and tutelage for the last 10 years. He is a good speaker of the reo. He has travelled with Tumu (te Heuheu) and myself on a number of occasions.

"Tumu and myself have taken him overseas and introduced him to the other royal families. We have coached that boy for many years."

Meanwhile, numbers have continued to swell at the tangihanga of Dame Te Ata, with more than 20,000 estimated in the first two days.

A large Government contingent led by Prime Minister Helen Clark is expected at the marae this morning, and National Party leader Don Brash and members of his caucus are also expected today.


All welcome

* Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia will be open from today to anybody who wishes to pay their respects.

* Wait outside with groups about to be welcomed on to the marae and follow the lead of people in the party being welcomed on.

* Once welcomed on, move to the right to take a seat, if available, men to the front, women to the back.

* Do not walk across the marae forecourt and remain respectful and quiet.