Mangatangi Marae played host to over 300 people today to commemorate the passing Princess Te Puea who actively opposed the conscription of Waikato soldiers in WWI.
The occasion is part of the poukai, an annual series of visits by the Māori King to Kīngitanga marae, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
It was a time to remember parents and grandparents who worked for the completion of the Waikato Raupatu claim 20 years ago.
Today there are 30 poukai held on various marae under the Māori King Movement, each with their own commeration.
Tokoroa Pompey says, “In the time of King Koroki and Te Puea, also known as Kirihaehae, established the poukai here at Mangatangi in 1946.”
Every year the descendants of Tamaoho return to continue the tradition.