The Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who visited Turangawaewae marae many times and had a close relationship with the Kiingitanga.
The Kiingitanga, one of the country's most enduring political institutions, was founded in 1858 with the aim of uniting Māori under a single sovereign.
Queen Elizabeth II personally signed into law the Waikato Raupatu Settlement Act 1995 - the only New Zealand legislation given Royal Assent in person by the Queen.
Kiingi Tūheitia says the act is significant in the life and history of our nation and is held in the highest regard by the Kiingitanga as honouring a Queen to Queen relationship.
Kiingitanga chief of staff Te Ngira Simmonds spoke to Māni Dunlop about the relationship with the British Monarch.
