The gates of TūrangawaewaeMarae have been opened to everyone on the third day of KīngiTūheitia’s tangi.
Thousands paid their respects yesterday to Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died early on Friday at the age of 69.
Over the past two days, the people of Tainui have had the chance to mourn their King - now iwi from across the motu would be arriving from this morning to pay tribute. An 8am there was a pōwhiri (welcoming on to the marae) at Tūrangawaewae.
Sir Tumu Te Heuheu and Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro were welcomed onto Turangawaewae Marae today to pay their respects to Kīngi Tūheitia. Photo / Kīngitanga.
It is estimated that more than 3000 people arrived at Tūrangawaewae this morning, including Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, members of the Rātana church and iwi including Te Arawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Hine are in attendance.
Also arriving today was the ariki of Ngāti Tūwharetoa - Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII - and his iwi.
Tūwharetoa have been close allies of the Kīngitanga since its formation.
Waikato-Tainui have opened the gates for all people to pay their respects to Kīngi Tūheitia. Photo / Kīngitanga
Veteran Activist Tāme Iti said he came to Tūrangawaewae to pay his respects to the King as a descendant of Wiremu Tāmihana, the “Kingmaker”, who was one of the founders of the Kīngitanga.
Iti said KīngiTūheitia had truly found his voice and had begun to let his own thoughts and ideas known to the people this year.
“That’s a bit of a change, and rather than rely on his Kāhui Ariki to be his only voice.”
Waikato police have advised motorists there would be daily road closures around Tūrangawaewae Marae until Thursday, when Kīngi Tūheitia would be laid to rest.