This is the 18th year of Kīngi Tūheitia maintaining the position of the head of the Kīngitanga. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The Koroneihana, the annual week-long celebration of the coronation of the Māori King Tūheitia, begins on Friday at Tūrangawaewae marae in Ngāruawāhia.
Politicians including the prime minister are expected to attend on Monday when Māori issues will be top of the agenda in face-to-face discussions.
Kīngitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said the repeal of section 7AA, the gang patch legislation and the Treaty Principles Bill would all be discussed.
"It's not all doom and gloom, there are areas [where] we are collaborating across the various iwi of the motu, but there are some things of national moment that we need to unequivocally state our position."
Beyond visits from politicians, the celebrations would include a national kawe mate, a mourning ceremony where relatives of the deceased visit another marae.
Tuesday would also see the attendance of Pacific leaders, including the King of Tonga, at Tūrangawaewae.
The Koroneihana was a celebration of being Māori and a celebration of coming together, Papa said.
"After the Covid-19 situation we didn't have to sit together, to talk together, to eat together, to discuss together, but over the last couple of years we've had that opportunity back," he said.
"So this will be the 18th year of Kīngi Tūheitia maintaining the position of the head of the Kīngitanga."
Celebrations would begin with a tinge of sadness, as Friday marked 18 years since the death of the Māori Queen Dame Te Atairangikāhu, he said.
The anniversary would be marked by a dinner in her honour.
