DAFFODIL DAY
3 September, 2024 | Proudly locally owned and operated Issue 1121 Circulation 9000
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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA
BASKER ROAST NIGHT
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3A Reweti Drive (opposite Mobil) www.basker.co.nz info@basker.co.nz Phone: 07 866 0645 Hours 8.00am to late
Every Tuesday night from 5pm Pork, lamb, chicken or beef Buffet salad and sauce bar Bookings recommended
THE KING HAS DIED
BY PAULINE STEWART
E
Kīngi Tūheitia, the occasion of his coronation at Turangawaewae in Ngaruawahia, 21 August 2006.
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very newspaper and every radio station, all social media tell the story. It is not the King of England, but yet it seems right to say, ‘our King has died’ (I’m an Aussie saying this, a permanent resident but not a citizen). King Tūheitia, our Māori King, has died. In official terms, Tūheitia Pōtatau was not the King for all Māori. Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero V11 Tūheitia was the appointed Monarch of Kīngitanga (the Māori king movement). For some tribes, the history of disagreement and struggle has a long arm. However, during his reign, Tūheitia’s role as an encourager for unity and restoring tikanga (societal lore within Māori culture) has gained the admiration and respect of many Iwi and other tribes. He came to be more widely regarded as a monarch for Māori in this land. An invitation has been extended to all New Zealanders to share in the grieving and honouring of this man; to be part of this historic and pivotal milestone in mourning the
death of the King. I met Tūheitia Paki several times. It was in the years 1999 and 2000. Then we just knew him as the son of the Māori Queen. Towards the end of 1998, a steering committee was formed in Hamilton to organise and oversee the Waikato Millennium celebrations. The Mayor, the Waikato Anglican and Catholic Bishops, the Chair of the Hamilton Business Association and two of the city councillors made up this committee. A significant member was the Māori Queen’s son, Tūheitia Paki. Stan and I were employed to be the producers and organisers of the Waikato wide Millennium celebration to take place in the grounds of the Waikato University. We were therefore a part of this committee and we met every two weeks in the Mayor’s office. Tūheitia Paki was a quietly spoken member of this group, yet contributing knowledge of resources we could tap into and suggesting aspects to be included in the day long celebration. Continued on page 5
The Coromandel Informer –3 September 2024 | 1