By Finau Fonua

In New Zealand on Saturday August 18, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u visited Turangawaewae Marae  to meet Tuheitia Paki, the Maori King and Te Arikinui of the Kingitanga, on the celebration of the 6^th anniversary of his coronation.

The royal Turangawaewae Marae is is located outside of Hamilton in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Tonga's King Tupou VI and his party of about 50 Tongans entered the marae early in the morning and were welcomed in a traditional fashion, with a fierce dance by tattooed Maori warriors armed with spears, and amid cries of welcome by elderly women. King Tupou IV and Queen Nanasipau'u were seated beside Tuheitia’s son Ariki Tamaroa Whatumoana at the front of the gathering, while spokespersons from both parties made blessings and speeches in Maori and English in honour of each other.

A spokesperson for the Maori king Rahui Papa said that the Kingitanga (Maori monarch) appreciated the Royal visit and made references to past Tongan monarchs such as Queen Salote and King Taufa'ahau IV who were very supportive of the Kingitanga. Rahui Papa said that their efforts “would never be forgotten.”

The Tongan spokesperson Ika Tameifuna spoke impressively in fluent Maori, and said emotionally towards the end of his speech that “when the late Tupou V was asked what it is that keeps the Tongan people together, he replied ‘Kinship’.”

After further songs and prayers by Maori and Tongan participants, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u were invited into the Wharenui with Kiingi Tuheitia Paki and his son.