The King and I

Posted on Tue 21 August 2007 at 09:54

I move in exalted circles me, rubbing shoulders with the famous and the crowned heads of the antipodes.

Today, I attended the Koroneihana of Kingi Tuheitia at Turangawaewae. 

Bet you thought the keyboard had gone tits up there but that is all spelled correctly.  

I was one of the very few pakeha (white) faces to be seen today at the coronation of Tuheitia (pronounced ‘too hay teea’), the Maori King.  To be right, he was crowned several months ago but in accordance with Maori culture, he made his first public speech today, after the unveiling of his mother’s gravestone which is traditionally a year after death.  From what I gather – and I don’t profess to be an expert,  so If I have made mistakes and offended anyone apologies are in order – the week long Koroneihana is somewhat akin to the ages old games of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is held at Turangawaewae (pronounced too runga wye wye) which is the marae (homestead) that generally hosts the huis (talks/conference/powwow) of the royal family even though they actually live at another marae a few miles away. The first day is mainly set aside for people from the local area who have been bereaved in the past year.  Prayers and karakias are said in remembrance for the departed and for those bereaved to recognise their loss. The second day is for the recent losses of the Maori nation in general.  The following days are various discussions, forums and sports with prizes in honour of various prestigious people.  Today was the first public speech as the mourning period for the last Maori queen is now officially over.  And tomorrow is the last day with closing ceremonies and more prayers/karakias. 

I saw the King of Tonga and the princess of Tonga, my good friend Tuheitia and the Prime Minister Helen Clark.  At one point, there was a speech-maker ejected from the marae – I thought it was part of the ceremony, like Blackrod knocking on the doors of the House of Commons in England.  But no, he was actually up there speechifying and insulting the King. It was very entertaining.  I was really glad I was standing next to my very knowledgeable Maori colleague who filled in the details for me.  As you might imagine, there was very little of the day’s business actually spoken in English, or translated either as it is essentially  a Maori affair. 

After all the speeches, it was a quick dash down to the Waikato to watch the wakas (war canoes) row past and salute the King.  It was worth waiting for.  In spite of the crowds on the banks, there was complete silence as they rowed down the river, blowing on their conch shell horns, chanting hakas, then they saluted the King with raised oars. It was so very well executed – a huge amount of rehearsal must have gone into it so I hope they were very proud of themselves as it instilled such a feeling of cultural heritage and images of the simple grandeur of a warrior race from an age gone by.  They were simply stunning.  They swept the three big war canoes around on the river in a magnificent turn that was awe inspiring to see – it put shivers down my spine watching and listening to them.

I felt honoured to have been there today on such a red letter day for the Maori nation, to have been there to witness history in the making.  I have a programme of which I cannot read a single word as it is written in Maori but I intend to keep it as there can only be so many of them printed.  Like I said earlier, there were very few pakeha there, probably about 98% Maori attendance.  It was a most peculiar experience to be in the minority by such a large proportion, not that I was made to feel any different from anyone else.

So, if perchance you catch it on TV – look out for me!! If there is a pale blur at the back under the trees, it may well be me!!

I was right. 

I went to the Doctor’s today and I have had my thyroxine upped by 1/3 which is quite a hike.  Not only that, I am bordering on anaemic too so I have been prescribed iron tablets also.  I feel better just for knowing that there is a reason for my recent lethargy and tiredness which may have contributed to feeling so miserable earlier in the month.  I feel a lot better now, so thank you for the recent emails, PM’s and calls people, they were much appreciated.

What an awesome experience!

Posted by Littletoe on Wed 22 August 2007 at 10:06 - Link

A very interesting read! Sounds like a wonderful event to have been part of. I'm also glad that you've got yourself on the road to recovery, and you hope feel better soon.