12th Anniversary Coronation of King Tuuheitia
Thursday, 16 August 2018
The 12th anniversary of the Coronation of King Tuuheitia will be commemorated from tomorrow - Friday 17 August to Tuesday 21 August.
The annual Koroneihana marks the time when HM Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Vll ascended the throne on the 21 August 2006 following the death of his beloved mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
With Tuurangawaewae Marae the focal point, the King’s Office says this year’s Koroneihana will be particularly significant given the Kiingitanga is also celebrating 160 years since its inception in 1858.
At 9.00am on Sunday 19 August parliamentarians and officials will be welcomed on to Tuurangawaewae Marae with a Poowhiri.
With thousands from around the country set to attend the commemorations, those who have passed away since the last Koroneihana will be remembered, a waka exhibition and Kapa Haka cultural performances will be held, and various sports played including rugby league and netball.
King Tuuheitia will make his annual address on the final day - Coronation Day, Tuesday 21 August. It is set to be his most significant speech in the 160th anniversary year of the Kiingitanga.
The King’s Office says significant achievements and progress have been made over the past 12 years with the King’s speech set to reflect on the challenges of the last year, the Government’s leadership, as well as outline the work now underway to secure the long-term future of the Kiingitanga.
ENDS