A crowd of over 1500 people descended upon Turangawaewae Marae
for day two of King Tuheitia's 9th Coronation.
Our reporter Kereama Wright was there in the crowd
and he comes to us live from there.
Kereama.
Iwi from around the country began entering Turangawaewae Marae
at 9am this morning.
The whakatau has just concluded.
Today is about presenting those who have died in the past year
to the King.
Ariki to ariki, mana to mana.
Giving life to the saying 'a place to stand for everyone'.
This is the day to celebrate them
so Maoridom can reflect on their deeds.
More than 1500 people kept close to the eldest son, Whatumoana,
symbolising the people's support for the Kingitanga.
We in the Far North support the King
because he has ties to us in Te Aupouri.
It's only right that we support him.
Ngati Hine has come to reaffirm our ties.
Tuhoe is here to represent our people who are no longer with us.
The many deceased honoured today
included leaders such as Mauriora Kingi,
Apirana Mahuika, Materoa Haenga and Erima Henare,
a member of the King's council.
Mauriora, Erima, Api and the rest worked for one thing -
to raise the status of our people in our country.
That is the kaupapa that goes along with the words,
it's important for Maori to get together, as we live apart.
As King Tawhiao once said,
one paddle alone will surely snap, but many working together will not.
If we do not unite, we will fail.
Tomorrow, world leaders are expected to call.
Then the King or his son will deliver the address.
On top of that,
another important topic is the future of the Twelve
which was resurrected last year.
To give more information on this,
I have with me the King's representative, Rahui Papa.
What is the future of Te Tekaumarua?
Things are going well.
The council of the twelve is about unity
under common goals for our culture, traditions and protocols.
Erima's vacated position remains empty
as we continue to mourn his loss.
With Erima Henare's absence, who will take his place,
and what are the processes for election to the position?
That is up to each region.
That decision is with the north.
Along with Te Kahui Wairua,
Te Tekaumarua is a group elected by the regions.
We'll await the north's decision on the issue.
Tekaumarua member Rikirangi Gage mentioned the TPPA -
what issues concern Te Tekaumarua at the moment?
We need to know what the TPPA is about,
how it affect Maori,
as well as whether we should reject or support it.
We need to know that it will not affect Treaty systems,
as well as our own rights as Maori.
No doubt will see Te Tekaumarua in action in days to come.
Thank you for speaking with us.
Scotty, church is currently in session,
but no doubt we can expect more action tomorrow
when the Prime Minister comes to pay his respects to the King.
Thank you for the update, Kereama Wright.