Maori monarch chosen, says Ngapuhi

Ngapuhi will not take part in the selection of the next Maori monarch because the decision has already been made, says the head of the country's largest iwi.

The country's iwi leaders will meet before the burial of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu on Monday to decide who will head the King Movement, established in 1858.

Tainui have previously said the motu (country) will decide the successor, but the Ngapuhi stance indicates this is largely a rubber-stamping exercise.

Another northern iwi, Ngati Whatua, also says it will take no part in the decision on Dame Te Ata's successor.

Tens of thousands have passed through Turangawaewae Marae this week to mourn the passing of the movement's longest-serving monarch, who died on Tuesday following a long illness.

While tributes and condolences have dominated the week's events, speculation has been building about who will next lead the almost 150-year-old movement.

Earlier this week Tainui chairman Tuku Morgan said tradition dictated that the country's iwi leaders decide the next king or queen.

The last six monarchs have all been descendants of the first Maori King, Potatau Te Wherowhero, who was elected by 22 different iwi in 1858.

But Ngapuhi chairman Sonny Tau questioned the process of selecting a leader for the symbolic but influential movement representing Maori.

A large contingent of Ngapuhi were welcomed on to Turangawaewae on Thursday night, when Mr Tau paid respects to Dame Te Ata and declared an interest in hosting the King Movement in the North - a call Mr Tau said yesterday was rejected by a leading Tainui kaumatua.

"Hare Puke, the spokesman for Kingitanga, gave the genealogy line of descent down to Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu and her tamariki [children].

"That indicates to Ngapuhi that it is a fait accompli - there is no more need for Ngapuhi to engage ..."

His stance was backed by the chairwoman of the Kaipara-based iwi Ngati Whatua, Naida Glavish.

Ms Glavish said the decision on who would be crowned had been made before Dame Te Ata's death.

"Our presence is simply to support whoever they have already chosen."

Dame Te Ata will lie in state at Turangawaewae until Monday.

She will then be taken by waka down the Waikato River to be buried with her ancestors on Taupiri Mountain.

The coronation of the new leader will take place immediately before the burial of Dame Te Ata - as it was when she succeeded her father, King Koroki, in 1966.

Tuheitia Paki, Dame Te Ata's eldest son, has emerged as a leading candidate to replace his mother.