Te Pati Māori is questioning whether the High Commissioner to the UK's lack of recognition for the Kiingitanga was a simple faux pas.
The High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff, offended Kiingi Tuheitia, at an event for the New Zealand delegation in London this morning.
Mr Goff apparently forgot to perform a karakia to open the event at the High Commission, and then went on to say that no one in the room had experienced a coronation before.
The kiingitanga chief of staff, Ngira Simmonds blasted the delegation for being "dismissive" of Kiingi Tuheitia's mana and tikanga Māori.
Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award winner 2021 Photo: https://www.nzportraitgallery.org.nz
Phil Goff later apologised for not following protocol.
Rahui Papa, who's a spokesperson, kaikoorero mo te Kiingi, for Kiingi Tuheitia, spoke to Charlotte Cook.
