King Country Thursday, April 18, 2024
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A king’s priority
Inside today
By Sigrid Christiansen
Kīngi Tuheitia was so adamant about attending the first Poukai at Mirumiru marae in five years at the end of March he flew home early from the Cook Islands to do so. The King’s previous engagement in Rarotonga was still in progress when he arrived at Marokopa, where the pā is located. Trustee Te Aroa Haami Pou said the whānau of Mirumiru pā had deeply relished the occasion, as had the guests. “When we had the Poukai this year, I saw the excitement on all the faces. People were just so happy to see each other.” Mirumiru pā re-opened in December 2023 after being closed for extensive rebuilding work. The area is vulnerable to coastal erosion and the marae has sought advice from environmentalists. The pā is famous for its means of access – it can only be reached by water. Mirumiru (Marokopa) pā is sited at the mouth of the Marokopa River, 30 km west of Te Kūiti and home for Ngāti Peehi, Te Kanawa and Kinohaku hapū. The wharenui is called Mirumiru i te Pō and the wharekai is Mirumiru i te Awatea. The marae connects ancestrally to Maungaroa and Pehimatea, the awa Marokopa and the waka Tainui. • Kingi Tuheitia celebrates his 69th birthday on Sunday. • See: A gift from Brazil, Page 10. Kīngi Tuheitia and Makau Ariki Atawhai on their way to the Poukai at Mirumiru Pā ki Marokopa.
What’s a Russian tourist who has worked in IT in Israel doing in Ōtorohanga with Bill Millar? Find out on Page 3.
These Ōtorohanga Lions are helping the region’s firefighters up some stairs – read about it on page 5.
Why was it the last round last weekend for these veteran golfers? We find out on Page 12.
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