Kīngi Tūheitia tangi live updates: NZ politicians pay their respects
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has spoken at the pōwhiri for Kīngi Tūheitia at Tūrangawaewae Marae.
After giving a brief acknowledgement in te reo Māori Hipkins said he shared a number of conversations with the late King when they travelled overseas together for the coronation of King Charles last year.
One of those conversations was Hipkins admitting to King Tūheitia that he needed to work on his te reo.
Hipkins said Tūheitia’s response to that is something he continues to carry with him today.
“He said: ‘The important thing is that you try - and you’ll get more respect from trying than getting it perfect’.
“I’ve remembered your kōrero to try and I’ll continue to do that,” Hipkins said.
The tangata whenua (hosts) have responded to the guests; with the speaker paying tribute to their close connection to the Labour Party over the years, as well as acknowledging former PM Jacinda Ardern, who was born and raised in the Waikato.
Hipkins earlier said Ardern was unable to travel to the region for King Tūheitia’s final farewell, but had sent her regards.
King Pomare, of Tahiti, is among the mourners this morning.
His presence is a nod to the strong bonds between the royal families within the Pacific region and the close relationship forged between King Tūheitia and those Pacific royal households from Tahiti, Tonga and Samoa over the years.
Current and former political leaders are visiting Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia today to pay their respects to Kīngi Tūheitia and his whānau, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, as well as party leaders Chris Hipkins, David Seymour and Winston Peters.
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa Packer, and Labour’s Peeni Henare, are among the several MPs who are already at the tangi (funeral) having arrived with their respective iwi in the days after the king’s passing.
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick and leaders and members of the Pacific community will also attend today.
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Samoan men present gifts
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Former Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito Wiliam Sio, is up now; as a group of Samoan men - some shirtless, to show off their traditional tattoos - present gifts at the feet of the King's casket, before bowing towards him.
Speaking in Samoan, Aupito explained why there was such a big presence from the Pasifika community at Tūrangawaewae Marae to show their respects.
He said that when the head feels pain, the rest of the body also feels that pain - acknowledging the traditional links and ties between Māori and the Pacific.
A rare fine mat from Samoa has been presented to the late monarch's family, as traditional in Samoan culture and protocol at significant events and occasions such as this.
Chloe Swarbrick and Greens sing waiata
Andrew Laxon
Members of the Green Party, including co-leader Chloe Swarbrick, are singing a waiata now.
Former Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei and the mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau joined the MPs for the waiata after a speech by Green MP Teanau Tuiono.
Sign of the kingfisher
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The Cook Islands speaker has thanked the late King's family for the love and friendship they had shared over the years.
He said in Polynesian culture and Rarotongan culture three signs often appeared in the islands that signalled someone of great status would soon pass.
The first sign was the kingfisher - when it cries at night-time and flies aimlessly around every night.
"It is a sign that a great man is moving away," he said.
"The second is water - when the heavens are pouring from the skies, torrential rains, I believe that's been happening here in Aotearoa too.
"The third sign is shooting stars, he said - something he had witnessed last week and, from their position, could only be coming from Aotearoa.
"When I heard the news, I knew those signs were for him."
Tributes from Mexico, Fiji
Andrew Laxon
Ambassador for the Embassy of Mexico Alfredo Pérez Bravo shared a few words in Spanish and gave a tribute to King Tūheitia, who he called an exceptional leader.
The ambassador said he was among many foreign ambassadors and representatives who had come together to pay tribute to the late King.
Sharing a bit about his own home - in Mexico - he said in their culture, they celebrate what is known as The Day of the Dead, where they believe loved ones come back that day.
The Government of Fiji is presenting a special gift to the King now.
The Fijian delegation is seated and the speaker is kneeling - as traditional in Fijian culture when in the presence of royalty.
"We are a member of one family...of the biggest ocean in the world. We are here from Fiji. The movement that started in the hills of Waikato...the ripples run through to the Pacific," he said.
"This is our tears...the tears of our ancestors who have passed on. It is also our tears to come and say thank you - of all the indigenous people and Fijian who call New Zealand home.
"Thank you for protecting us."
The speaker from Fiji has also acknowledged the new monarch - due to be announced tomorrow - and wished "the new king" the very best.
Chief Ombudsman speaks
Andrew Laxon
Chief Ombudsman for New Zealand Peter Boshier is speaking now.
"You extended to me ... friendship, warmth and hospitality," Boshier said of Kīngi Tūheitia.
"I will miss you."
A waka 'with room for all of us' - Brownlee
Andrew Laxon
Brownlee said a "mighty totara" had fallen and he hoped that from the totara a waka would be built that had enough room for all of us.
Referring to something Tūheitia had said once, Brownlee said: "No waka moves forward without all the paddles moving in the same direction."
Gerry Brownlee speaks
Andrew Laxon
Speaker Gerry Brownlee is speaking now.
He says he was here 18 years ago at Kīngi Tūheitia's mother's tangi.
He apologised for not sharing any words in te reo Māori, as he did not feel he had enough command of the language to express what he wanted to say
ACT leader David Seymour is speaking
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Seymour is giving a brief introduction in te reo Māori.
"We come here today to share in so much pain and so much love for the grieving family," he said.
"Go into the long sleep of death," Seymour said.
A waiata, Te Aroha, is sung in support of Seymour's speech.
Friends from all corners of the globe
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The speaker has given a warm welcome to all political leaders present; as well as all those who make up the manuhiri crowd this afternoon. Just like the morning's guests, they show a true reflection of New Zealand's diverse and multicultural make-up.
The speaker acknowledged the presence of this diversity - namely people from around the Pacific - and quoted the second Māori King Tāwhiao, who spoke of having friends from all corners of the globe.
Shane Jones' 65th birthday gets a mention
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There is laughter as the current host speaker acknowledges "Matua Shane" who celebrated his 65th birthday yesterday - putting to him that he must have received his special gold card.
On cue, Jones was spotted taking out his SuperGold Card - flashing it to the crowd around him with a laugh.
A second group of manuhiri is being welcomed onto the Marae.
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Fronting the group is Te Ururoa Flavell, who paused, head down in front of Kīngi Tūheitia and his whānau after the haka ended.
The group has now seated, as speeches continue.
Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata is sitting in between NZ First's Winston Peters and Act party leader David Seymour.
St Stehen's old boys perform haka
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A fierce haka performed by St Stephen's old boys has erupted on the courtyard in front of the late King's casket.
Many are wearing shirts with the word "Tipene" - the Māori translation of Stephen.
Shane Jones brings prayers and love to the late King
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Minister Jones is translating what he has just said in te reo. He said he was bringing prayers and love to the late King.
"As we say, farewell to you King Tūheitia."
Jones quoted from the book of Acts in the Bible; acknowledging the late monarch's life of service and devotion to his people.
"It is better to give than receive...and he gave so much towards the latter stages of his life."
There was laughter when Jones said he wanted to share some words from the "great Winston - Churchill, that is," he said with a slight smirk, as NZ First Party leader Winston Peters sat in the front row.
"To enjoy a living, we take what we can get. But to create a life, we give."
“Haere mai koutou”
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The speaker has given a warm welcome to those who have arrived this afternoon and now a waiata is being sung.
A second group - led by former Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell - and including many mourners wearing St Stephen’s school shirts and tie is now making their way onto the marae.
Winston Peters and David Seymour arrive at Tūrangawaewae
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A sea of mourners gather for the second pōwhiri
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Just like the morning, there is a strong Pacific presence among the mourners.
All Black legend Michael Jones has been spotted among the crowd.
Jones - who has the Samoan chief title of La’auli - stood solemnly in front of King Tūheitia’s casket and bowed gently before moving away.
Among this sea of mourners are members of the Air Force, school students and people donning St Stephen’s school shirts and ties - the school Kīngi Tūheitia once attended.
A group of Fijian women were seen walking up to the casket and - as traditional in Fijian culture when before royalty - sat on the ground and clapped, showing respect.
The second pōwhiri is now starting at Tūrangawaewae Marae
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The sun is strong and the karanga stunning as guests slowly walk onto the marae.
A loud and powerful haka is welcoming manuhiri onto the grounds.
A steady stream of mourners are walking through the gates.
NZ First MP Shane Jones arrives at Tūrangawaewae
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Green party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick arrives at Tūrangawaewae
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Armed forces personnel will pay their respects this afternoon
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Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata is among the army, navy and air force officers going to pay their respects to Kīngi Tūheitia at Tūrangawaewae this afternoon.
Increased police presence at marae ahead of Winston Peters and David Seymour's arrival
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Police officers are lined up waiting for the arrival of Winston Peters and David Seymour.
There was a small police contingent for this morning's pōwhiri when Labour leader Chris Hipkins and a number of MPs arrived.
A much larger police presence is in place for the arrival of Winston Peters and David Seymour.
Tainui face an important decision
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Herald columnist Shane Te Pou said Tainui had an important decision to make today for the succession plan of the Kīngitanga.
"Kīngi Tūheitia said kotahitanga and tomorrow an important decision will be made and we will get back to politics next week. Regardless of who is named, there's still more work to do. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a very heartfelt speech last week but what's he going to say next week. The people of Tainui will decide who is best to take over the Kīngitanga and I'm hoping the ground work laid down by Tūheitia is carried on because Māori need that voice of strength and I'm sure Tainui will confirm that."
Four waka will take the late King's casket along the Waikato to his final resting place
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King Tūheitia's funeral will take place after next Māori monarch is revealed. Then his casket will be taken to the banks of the Waikato River.
A guard of honour will be there - from members of Ngāti Māhanga and the NZ Defence Force.
Four waka will take the late King's casket along the river towards his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain.
Members of the Tūrangawaewae and Taniwharau rugby league clubs - as well as rope handlers from the Raungaiti Rugby Club - will then carry the late King's casket to the summit.
The next Māori monarch will officially be revealed tomorrow morning
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The next Māori monarch will officially be revealed tomorrow morning, just hours before King Tūheitia will be laid to rest.
The office of the Kīngitanga has released new details about tomorrow's funeral proceedings; including exactly what time the new monarch will be named.
The official proceedings for the Te Whakawahinga (raising up) ceremony for the late King's successor will take place at 10am at Tūrangawaewae Marae tomorrow, ahead of the king's funeral.
The new monarch will be ushered to the throne before a special karakia (prayer) is said.
Tumuaki Hone Tamihana (kingmaker) will then place a Bible on the head of the monarch, using the same Bible that Tumuaki Wiremu Tamihana used to raise up the first Māori King Potatatu Te Wherowhero in 1858, a statement said.
"Archbishop Don Tamihere will say a karakia to bless the new monarch with sacred oils."
The first pōwhiri of the day comes to an end
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The final speaker has just finished at the marae grounds, as the first pōwhiri of the day comes to an end.
A young child at the pōwhiri at Tūrangawaewae Marae
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Crowds are a testament to Kīngi Tūheitia's leadership and legacy
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Kīngitanga spokesman Rahui Papa said the hundreds of people who arrived today, and the thousands who had congregated at the grounds over the past five days, were a testament to the leadership of the Kīngitanga and to the legacy of Kīngi Tūheitia.
“I think by them coming in droves, coming in thousands, that is a real testament about the kotahitanga (unity) that has been shown, not just of late, but throughout the generations.
“I think people are coming not only to grieve but to be part and parcel of that kotahitanga. Kīngi Tūheitia called for kotahitanga while he was alive, and this is a testament of that kotahitanga while he lies in state.”
'The importance of whānau'
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The resounding theme from the speeches from the Pacific community is King Tūheitia's willingness to reach out to the Pasifika communities of Aotearoa over the years and to build a sense of unity and familial links between the Pacific and Māori.
Several Pacific leaders were also welcomed onto the marae today, including King Pomare of Tahiti. Rahui Papa, Kīngitanga spokesman, said Kīngi Tūheitia embraced his “cousins of the Pacific” including the families of ariki (chief or king).
“It has been like a close family relationship with almost every island of the Pacific and it was wonderful last week to see the outpouring of aroha that came to the Koroneihana, and then to see it again throughout the tangi process.”
All on the same bus
Andrew Laxon
The majority of today's Pacific contingent travelled from South Auckland on buses organised specifically for today's trip to the Waikato.
There was again hearty laughter when Teleiai explained that they had travelled with several religious leaders from the Samoan community as well - including a Catholic priest, Methodist minister, Seventh-Day minister and protestant reverend.
"It's the first time [they've] been on the same bus."
'An ability to unite people'
Andrew Laxon
Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime, who has travelled to the tangi with a cohort of other Labour MPs, said it was “really sad” to be back at Tūrangawaewae Marae so soon after Koroneihana.
“A few days later, him delivering what is now is his final speech to te ao Māori and the motu, to the country – it’s really sad to be here, just a short time later to share our condolences of his passing."
Prime said the King had an ability to unite people – and had done so this year in particular with his recent meetings and speeches to te ao Māori, including at Hui A Motu, which attracted more than 10,000 people.
“I was amongst that crowd of people, his ability to unite people at this time when we are seeing so much trampling by the Government on Te Ao Māori and kaupapa Māori ... This year will be my lasting memory of him.”
Former top cop Wally Haumaha
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Former Police Deputy commissioner Wally Haumaha said Kīngi Tūheitia's legacy in his mind will be the many Māori he saved from returning to the criminal justice system.
Haumaha, who has just returned from a law enforcement conference in the US said: "I had the pleasure of introducing the commissioner to Kīngi Tūheitia over that period. We have had highs and lows of policing in New Zealand but it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside the King. His legacy will be the criminal justice programme - he became patron of Te Pae Oranga, to reduce the pathways to offending and victimisation of our people."
"Seventeen thousand people have been through that programme to see how they can make a difference in their lives. I am so thankful to the King for his input into the justice system in this country."
'A strong voice' - Andrew Little
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Andrew Little, who served as Treaty Negotiations for six years during Kiingi Tūheitia’s reign, said recently the king been unifying te ao Māori at a “crucial time.”
“For Māoridom, he has clearly been this very strong unifying force at a time when that is needed – bringing a strong voice to some pretty obvious attacks on the progress that has been made.
“That’s been amazing to see, how Māori have responded. All of us want to see the progress continue and see the right leadership in the right places. I think we all have high expectations for the Kiingitanga and what happens next.”
During his time under the Labour government as a minister, Little had meetings with the King, including at Turangawaewae Marae. The pair discussed matters including the progress that was needed, the journey the Crown was on “to restore its mana” and its respect for the Treaty.
“He expressed the aspirations for Māori.”
'Much love from our people'
Andrew Laxon
Teleiai explained to the crowd that hundreds of members of the Pacific Island community had been at the marae grounds just over a week earlier as part of the late King's 18th anniversary coronation celebrations.
He said when news of the King's death broke on Friday, members of the Pacific community were filled with sorrow.
"Middlemore Hospital is full of Pacific Islanders this week," he said - again, drawing hearty laughter from the crowd.
Teleiai paid tribute to King Tūheitia's strong bonds with the Pacific, but also his connection to the Pacific communities around Aotearoa.
Members of New Zealand's Fijian, Tuvaluan, Niuean, Cook Islands, Tokelau, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and around the region are all represented, he said.
"Your work resonates with tangata o Moana...Much love from our people."
Teleiai ended his speech with a Samoan proverb: "Ua malie toa, ua malo tau! Great warrior King, you have fought a great fight."
Andrew Laxon
Buddhist monks attend the powhiri. Photo / Mike Scott
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Senior Labour MP Wille Jackson at this morning's powhiri. Photo / Mike Scott
Samoan chiefs pay tribute
Andrew Laxon
A group of Samoan matai (chiefs) walk solemnly across the marae courtyard holding large green ferns, as a lone voice acknowledges Samoa's high chief families, the dignitaries present and the late King Tūheitia.
"Samoans believe that Hawaiki, the original homeland of Polynesians, is survived in the island of Samoa," Teleiai said, referring to Samoa's big island of Savaii - drawing laughter from the crowd.
"Kīngi! The chiefs of Hawaiki have come. The chiefs of Savaii have come," he said, pointing to the group of shirtless chiefs now sitting on the ground beside him.
"It is an honour for them to prepare the path for the soul of the Kīngi.."
Act leader David Seymour welcome - Tainui leader
Andrew Laxon
Ahead of the arrival of more politicians this afternoon, including Act Party leader David Seymour, Kīngitanga spokesman Rahui Papa said all manuhiri (guests) would be looked after at Tūrangawaewae.
“We will look after all of the manuhiri that come onto the marae, whether they are politicians, whether they are Pak’nSave workers. We will look after them all," he said.
"We are a bit saddened the messages were not able to be delivered whilst the King was still alive. Just last week we had the koroneihana.
"If Mr. Seymour comes with aroha, we will accept that aroha and we will look after that aroha.”
Samoan presence
Andrew Laxon
The Samoan community has a particularly large cohort at Tūrangawaewae Marae this morning.
Pacific Leadership Forum chairman and community leader Teleiai Edwin Puni is now taking the stage as the next speaker.
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Former Prime Minister Helen Clark at this morning's powhiri for Kīngi Tūheitia at Turangawaewae Marae. Photo / Mike Scott
Members of the Pasifika community have now been given the opportunity to speak
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'Ofa lahi atu' New Zealand's Tongan community has paid tribute to the late King Tūheitia, his family and Tainui.
"'Ofa lahi atu," he said - sharing love from the Tongan community, he said, as well as members of the Pacific.
A Tongan hymn is now being sung at the grounds of Tūrangawaewae.
The twang of the ukulele is now sounding loudly at Tūrangawaewae - signalling the voices from whānau from the Cook Islands.
It's the Samoan community's turn now - singing a traditional Samoan hymn.
Tahitian speaker presents a conch shell to the late King
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A speaker from Tahiti, holding up a conch shell, is referring to the ties between the ariki (royal) families within the Pacific region - including the Māori monarchy.
There are references to the traditional royal families of Tahiti, Hawaii, Tonga, Cook Islands, Samoa and other parts of the Pacific. "United we stand, divided we fall," he says.
The conch shell has now been presented to the hosts. A man has accepted the shell and placed it carefully on the late King's casket, as his feet.
During that speech, it was also acknowledged that a new leader will be chosen soon and who will lead the next generation.
"Hope among the younger generation"
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The tangata whenua (hosts) have responded to the guests; with the speaker paying tribute to their close connection to the Labour Party over the years, as well as acknowledging former PM Jacinda Ardern, who was born and raised in the Waikato.
Hipkins earlier said Ardern was unable to travel to the region for King Tūheitia's final farewell, but had sent her regards.
A second speaker from the manuhiri side is now on centre stage, speaking in te reo.
Acknowledging the late King, he said briefly in English, pointing towards the casket: "You have created hope among the younger generation."
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins is now speaking
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After giving a brief acknowledgement in te reo Māori Hipkins said he shared a number of conversations with the late King when they travelled overseas together for the coronation of King Charles last year.
One of those conversations was Hipkins admitting to King Tūheitia that he needed to work on his te reo.
Hipkins said Tūheitia's response to that is something he continues to carry with him today.
"He said: 'The important thing is that you try - and you'll get more respect from trying than getting it perfect'.
"I've remembered your korero to try and I'll continue to do that," Hipkins said.
King Pomare, of Tahiti, is among the mourners this morning
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His presence is a nod to the strong bonds between the royal families within the Pacific region and the close relationship forged between King Tūheitia and those Pacific royal households from Tahiti, Tonga and Samoa over the years.
"Haere mai"
The speaker has officially acknowledged Tahiti's King Pomare, as well as the politicians among the crowd this morning - including former Prime Ministers Chris Hipkins and Helen Clark, who was referred to as the country's leader during Dame Te Atairangikaahu's time and when she died in 2006.
New Zealand's diversity is very much reflected in the crowd
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As well as many from the Pacific community, there are members of the Asian community and Pākehā. A small group of Buddhist monks have also been spotted in their distinctive orange robes.
The pōwhiri continues - it’s been around ten minutes - as mourners continue to make their way into the marae.
As mourners arrive, many are walking up to the front of the marae - where the King lies in state - and removing the greenery from around their heads and placing them in front of the casket.
Day six of the tangihanga for Kīngi Tūheitia is officially underway
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As the late king's casket is brought out in front of the marae the first pōwhiri begins.
A huge crowd is waiting at the gates for the karanga. The crowd includes rangatira, rangatahi and representatives of the Pacific community.
There are poignant scenes, as women dressed in black with greenery adorning their heads take part in the official welcome. A lone woman dressed entirely in siapo (tapa cloth) is kneeling at the front of the marae, weeping softly.
Members of the Pacific Leadership Forum are among the Pasifika community who have arrived at Tūrangawaewae Marae
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Those represented include members of New Zealand's Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands community; as well as those representing the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Labour MP Willie Jackson will be speaking in Māori
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Labour MP Willie Jackson - who will open Labour's reply - said he will be speaking in Māori.
“I will be saying to Kīngi Tūheitua I wasn’t particularly happy with you when you supported Te Pāti Māori but you told me to get over it and it took me a while but I did. There has always been a great relationship between Tainui and Labour. We are not supposed to talk politics but Rahui Papa does when it pleases him . So am I.”
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is among politicians who have arrived at Tūrangawaewae this morning
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Former Prime Minister Helen Clark told the Herald Kingi Tuheitia had become a great leader for his people.
“When you are a Māori king you put your life on hold and you serve your people. He served right to the end and after being bought up in his mother’s shadow. He has done an outstanding job. He had big shoes to fill and there’s no doubt he could go between the Te Ao Māori and pakeha worlds.”
Scores of people of have already gathered to farewell the late King Tūheitia
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As the sun rises in the Waikato early this morning, scores of people have already gathered at Turangawaewae Marae, to pay their final respects to the late King Tūheitia ahead of his funeral tomorrow.
The morning karakia has just been said as the first of the two daily pōwhiri is due to take place at 8am.
On today's programme, members of the Pacific community are expected to be welcomed onto the marae later this afternoon. Members of the Pacific General Assembly are travelling from Auckland to pay their respects to the Kīngi and share traditional gifts. They are expected to be welcomed onto the marae about 2pm.
STORY CONTINUES
New Zealand continues to mourn the loss of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died peacefully late last week, aged 69, after a period in hospital recovering from heart surgery.
Tributes for the King have flowed in from far and wide, including from the British monarch, King Charles, and his wife Camilla, while news of Kīngi Tūheitia’s passing has been spread across international media.
Thousands of mourners from across the country have since gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae – the heart of the Māori King movement – over the past five days to pay their respects.
Among them, some of the country’s most revered rangatira and iwi leaders have spoken on the marae ātea (courtyard) with their oratory followed by waiata and haka.
Politicians expected today
Manuhiri (guests) are welcomed onto the marae across two pōwhiri, one at 9am and a second at 2pm.
More than 40 New Zealand politicians are expected to visit on Wednesday, and, Kīngitanga spokesman Rahui Papa has already set out the theme of the proceedings, emphasising the tangi should be a moment of mourning and aroha for the fallen monarch, not political discussions.
“Politics was two weeks ago at the Koroneihana,” Papa said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has already visited and spoken at the tangi, recounting how recently he and the king had spoken and how the king’s commitment to Māori was felt “right across the country”.
In response, Papa said it was just over a week ago that Luxon had “suffered the cannon fodder” of Kīngi Tūheitia during Koroneihana (coronation of the Māori King).
“Today, the bullets are filled with aroha and we respect and honour you for fronting up again.”
Luxon was joined then by Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka, and Sir Doug Graham, a former Treaty Negotiations Minister who played a key role in the Waikato-Tainui settlement, as well as former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sir Don McKinnon, former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, and Matt Bolger, son of former PM Jim Bolger.
Luxon will not visit again on Wednesday – he is on an overseas trip now – but the National Party will be represented by a cohort of ministers and MPs, including Nicola Willis, Shane Reti, Paul Goldsmith, Mark Mitchell and Andrew Bayly. Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is also expected to attend.
From NZ First, leader Winston Peters is expected to be flanked by ministers Shane Jones and Casey Costello.
Act Party leader David Seymour is expected to attend, with Act ministers Nicole McKee and Karen Chhour.
The MPs expected from Labour, alongside leader Chris Hipkins, former leader Helen Clark and MP Peeni Henare, who is already there, include deputy party leader Carmel Sepuloni, Willie Jackson, Willow-Jean Prime, Barbara Edmonds, Jenny Salesa, Glen Bennett, Shanan Halbert, Ayesha Verrall and Arena Williams.
Labour Party president Jill Day and former Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little are also expected to attend.
Te Pāti Māori said party members would pay tribute to Kīngi Tūheitia alongside their respective iwi. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, the party’s co-leader, described the King as a “grassroots, humble” man who was not “flashy in formalities” but naturally prepared to serve and lead.
Party president John Tamihere said the Kīngitanga had provided hope “in our people’s darkest moments”,
“It is a Māori movement that has never surrendered its mana,” Tamihere said.
From the Greens, Hūhana Lyndon arrived at the tangi on Sunday with one of her iwi.
Chlöe Swarbrick, the Greens co-leader, will join Lyndon today along with MPs Teanau Tuiono, Ricardo Menéndez March, Lan Pham, Steve Abel, Scott Willis, Lawrence Xu-Nan and Celia Wade Brown.
Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.