Newly crowned Maori king Kingi Tuheitia will make his first official visit outside his own rohe (area) when he comes to Rotorua next week.
Referred to as Kingi Tuheitia by Te Arawa, the king will be welcomed by Ngati Pikiao at Houmaitawhiti marae at Otaramarae, near Okere Falls, on Monday,
with thousands expected to attend.
Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao Trust media spokeswoman Raiatea Tahana-Reese said there was a strong bond between Ngati Pikiao and the Kingitanga movement.
"The relationship goes back more than 147 years. Pikiao's eldest son, Heke Maru, is a descendant of the Kingitanga line," she said.
Tainui princess Te Puea Herangi gave a taonga to the hapu 67 years ago when she entrusted her 3-year-old daughter Te Kawekura Mahuta to Te Arawa rangitira Te Pokiha Hemana and his wife Te Pora. Te Kawekura's father was Tumate Tonga Mahuta, a nephew of Te Puea.
Kingi Tuheitia was visiting Te Arawa to confirm the strong relationship between the two tribes, Mrs Tahana-Reese said.
He had originally been invited to attend a North Island Te Wananga o Aotearoa kapa haka competition next Thursday at the Rotorua Convention Centre.
At least five busloads of people are expected to accompany the king to Rotorua.
Visiting tribes Ngaiterangi, Ngati Awa, Tuwharetoa, Whakatohea, Kahungunu, Tuhoe and Ngati Ranginui will also take part in the welcoming ceremonies.
"A lot of planning has gone into it, with tribes from throughout the North Island also coming. We are catering for more than 2000 people," Mrs Tahana-Reese said.
Kingi Tuheitia will be welcomed again, on Tuesday, by Te Arawa at Ohinemutu's Tamatekapua Marae.
The Maori king arrives at the Okere Falls marae on Monday about 10am and at Tamatekapua on Tuesday about the same time.
