Source: Radio New Zealand
Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po and Te Rangimaheu Te Heuheu (center) being welcomed to Rātana. RNZ/Pokere Paewai
The Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has been welcomed to Rātana with a powhiri this morning, ahead of political parties arriving in the afternoon.
Sitting beside her was Te Rangimaheu Te Heuheu, the new Ariki of Ngati Tuwharetoa, making his first visit to Ratana since the passing of his father Sir Tumu te Heuheu in September, aged 84.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi are both absent, surveying damage and helping local communities after the recent storms.
Tama Potaka and Nicola Willis will represent National.
They, along with Labour leader Chris Hipkins and members of the Greens, New Zealand First and Te Pāti Māori, are to be welcomed with a pōwhiri at 3pm.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
