House of Ariki and Koutu Nui host Maori King

The whirl of social events for the Maori King and his Vaka Tangata included a visit to the House of Ariki and Koutu Nui at the grounds of Parliament House.
The event was to give the traditional chiefs the opportunity to meet Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia in their capacity as traditional leaders of their people. They were joined by the Queen’s Representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin and Hon Jim Marurai in their official capacity as Head of State and Prime Minister, respectively.
President, Tou Travel Ariki welcomed the VIP guests on behalf of the House of Ariki including those from Aitutaki (Tamatoa and Manarangi) Atiu (Rongomatane and Ngamaru), Mauke, Mitiaro (Tou Ariki, Te Maeu o te Rangi and Tetava Ariki), Pukapuka (Te Tio Kaisara Pakitonga Ariki) and the mono of the Rakahanga Ariki.
Also present were Pa ma Kainuku, Makea Karika, Makea Nui and Tinomana Ariki.
The o’ora of gifts from the Ui Ariki was presented by dancing girls from the island of Mitiaro to the accompanying beat of the rutu pa’u by their men.
In reply, senior Kaumatua, Sunnah Thompson delivered the Mihi or traditional greetings on behalf of the Maori King followed by a speech of thanks to the House of Ariki and Koutu Nui by Rahui Papa from Waikato-Tainui.
The royal party weill return to Aotearo on Sunday afternoon.