From TV3.co.nz:

Organisers are crediting the media coverage of the Maori Queen’s tangi for an overwhelming turnout of people to welcome Maoridom’s newest king.

The eldest son of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Kingi Tuheitia will give his first formal speech on Tuesday, exactly a year after taking over from his late mother.

Turangawaiwai spokesperson Moko Templeton says sport and kapahaka activities will dominate the weekend’s events, which 20-thousand-people are expected to attend.

She says the King movement has really taken off thanks to Dame Te Ata’s legacy. [source]

The Maori Queen of New Zealand has died after 40 years as leader of her people, during which time she served alongside 11 prime ministers.

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu – commonly known as Te Ata – was the mother of seven who became the Maori Queen at the age of 35. She was the seventh Maori sovereign and filled a role that carried only ceremonial powers but commanded great respect among Maori and white New Zealanders.

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