14 June 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Kiingi Tuheitia Establishes Te Kaunihera A Te Kiingi

In a solemn ceremony at Tuurangawaewae House today, witnessed by ariki and rangatira from around the motu, along with members of the Kahui Ariki; Kiingi Tuheitia advised a series of decisions that established Te Kaunihera a te Kiingi (the King’s Council) and allowed for his eldest son to represent him in the immediate future.

“I hereby declare the establishment, for the first time in my reign, a King’s Council to be known from this day as Te Kaunihera a te Kiingi.”

The following persons were appointed to this Council:

• George Mahuta

• Tukoroirangi Morgan

• Sir John Goulter

• Rahui Papa

• Tania Simpson

• Hukiterangi Muru

• Te Rangihiroa Whakaruru

The decisions have been made due to health problems being experienced by Kiingi Tuheitia, and which were impacting on his ability to carry out his official duties.

A further decision indicated his wish that Whatumoana Te Aa Paki, his oldest son carry out these official duties until such time as his, the King’s health, improved.

The King’s Council has been established to assist and guide Whatumoana as required.

A precedent for such a change within the Kiingitanga is provided by the situation that existed when Kiingi Mahuta took up a seat in the Legislative Council in Wellington in 1903. During his absence his younger brother, Te Wherowhero Taawhiao performed his Kiingitanga duties and took the title Te Whirinaki a Kiingi Mahuta.

ENDS

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