ERICA SINCLAIR/Stuff
Kiingi Tuheitia will witness the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in the Ngāti Kahungungu region next week.
The Māori king will visit cyclone-affected communities in Hawke’s Bay next week as the region continues to be cleaned up.
King Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII will land in the Ngāti Kahungungu region on Sunday before being welcomed to Omahu Marae on Monday.
Kīngitanga Chief of Staff, Archdeacon Ngira Simmonds said that Kīngi Tuheitia is deeply concerned for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and planned to witness the devastation firsthand.
“The Whare Ariki are honored to be invited to sit with mana whenua and hear their stories and solutions for recovery.
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“We will support marae and listen to their concerns and suggestions for working with the Crown in developing remedial measures for Kaupapa Māori,” Simmonds said in a statement.
“Kingi Tuheitia maintains the independence of each hapū and iwi and calls on all agencies providing support to ensure they work with mana whenua and are fully engaged with Māori.”
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After a welcome to Omahu, the royal delegation makes its way to Tangoio Marae and Wairoa before returning home on April 5.
While the King is in Hawke’s Bay, Waikato-Tainui and Ngāti Tamaoho staff will be on site in Wairoa to provide hands-on support to affected marae and communities.
Other Tainui iwi including Raukawa, Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Maniapoto will conduct site checks and visits pending further visits and support, the Kīngitanga said.