People pay their respects on the second day of Kiingi Tuheitia's tangihanga on Saturday. Photo: Supplied / Kiingitanga
The gates of Tuurangawaewae Marae have been opened to everyone on the third day of Kiingi Tuheitia's tangi.
Thousands paid their respects on Saturday to Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died early on Friday at the age of 69.
Over the past two days, the people of Tainui have had the chance to mourn their King - now iwi from across the motu would be arriving from this morning to pay tribute. An 8am pōwhiri (welcoming on to the marae) was beginning at Tuurangawaewae.
More than 500 people from across New Zealand were expected at Tuurangawaewae on Sunday, including Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and members of the Rātana church.
Iwi including Te Arawa, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Hine would be in attendance.
Also arriving today was the ariki of Ngāti Tuwharetoa - Tumu Te Heuheu - and his iwi.
Tūwharetoa have been close allies of the kiingitanga since its formation.
Waikato Police have advised motorists there would be daily road closures around Tuurangawaewae Marae until Thursday, when Kiingi Tuuheitia would be laid to rest.
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