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National | King Tuheitia

Tainui gathers to acknowledge those who have passed

Around 400 Tainui descendants from Pare Hauraki, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Waikato have converged on to Tūrangawaewae Marae this morning to acknowledge and remember those who have passed within the year.

Representatives from different families have taken to the podium to  speak of and remember their loved ones, as well as acknowledge the very event that has brought them together this week, the ninth Coronation of Kīngi Tūheitia.

Due to the large number of people wanting to make their way on to the marae today, another pōhiri will be conducted at 1:30pm for those who will come from more distant areas of Tainui waka.

Tomorrow, crowds will multiply as the 'kawe mate o te motu' will take place.

Māori from all over New Zealand will have the opportunity to acknowledge and pay respects to their loved ones who have passed. Some of those include the matriarch of Ngāi Tūhoe, Nanny Uru McGarvey, Mauriora Kīngi of Te Arawa, Māori politician Erima Henare, respected leader of Ngāti Porou, Apirana Mahuika and Eru Thompson.

This morning's proceedings are expected to last a few hours, before the next group arrives this afternoon.

Friday August 21 will mark the actual Coronation day. Kīngi Tūheitia will stand and present his speech to the people and discuss big events that are happening within Te Ao Māori.

For a full run down of the week's events, and to keep up to date, you can visit the Koroneihana Facebook page.

The online news team will continue to bring you more information on The Koroneihana 2015.

Te Kāea reporters Numia Ponika-Rangi and Mānia Clarke will also have more tonight on Te Kāea at 5:30pm.