By RNZ
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to meet Kiingi TÅ«heitia just days before a national hui.
In December, the Kiingitanga called a nationwide hui over fears of the coalition governmentâs plans for MÄori.
Iwi across the country are set to converge at TÅ«rangawaewae Marae in NgÄruawÄhia this Saturday, to work out a unified response to the coalition governmentâs policies.
Thousands are expected to attend the national hui, Taakiri Tuu Te Kotahitanga, Taakiri Tuu te Mana Motuhake, convened by TÅ«heitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII.
The invite was extended to iwi in December last year, following the 165th anniversary of the Kiingitanga movement.
RNZ has been told that the PM and Kiingi TÅ«heitia will meet tomorrow. A press secretary for Luxon has confirmed they will meet but have not given a time.
Ariki and Leaders - including Te Ariki Taa Tumu Te Heuheu and Ratana Tumuaki, Manuao Te Kohamutunga Tamou - supported the call for a national hui and agreed the Crown must be a responsible Treaty partner and unify, not divide the nation.
Kiingitanga chief of staff Ngira Simmonds said rangatira from across the country highlighted a need to unify the nation and ensure all voices were heard in holding the government to account.
The divisive rhetoric used during the election campaign and policy targeting Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo MÄori was offensive to MÄori and non-MÄori, Simmonds said.
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âThereâs strong opposition to the governmentâs statements on the Treaty of Waitangi, which could undermine decades of hard-fought justice and equality for our nation,â he said.
âNow is the time for kotahitanga and focusing on what we have in common.â
Waikato-Tainui will host the masses set to attend the hui and just last week the iwi filed proceedings at the High Court in Wellington against the Crown.
Executive chair Tukoroirangi Morgan said the iwi was seeking declarations to affirm the rights and interests of Waikato-Tainui and the corresponding obligations of the Crown.
âWe are concerned about recent statements that have been made by ministers within Cabinet and others within the coalition government (regarding prospective Crown decisions and actions) which would be in direct conflict with the Crownâs commitments and related obligations to Waikato-Tainui,â he said.
Waikato Tainui said the Crown had an obligation to protect te reo MÄori under Te Ture mÅ te Reo Maaori 2016, and the proceedings at the High Court aimed to address immediate concerns on those matters that were now under threat.
âWe do this to protect what has been hard-fought, as we will not have the rights and interests of Waikato-Tainui or the relationship between Waikato-Tainui and the Crown undermined,â Morgan said.
Many iwi have met ahead of the hui to finalise key messages and organise travel arrangements for whÄnau wanting to attend.
The Office of the Kiingitanga and Iwi of Tainui Waka said more than 3000 guests would attend the hui and thousands more were expected to follow discussions online.
Ngira Simmonds said the hui would be positive and future-focused.
âWe have invited people to lay down their korero and their aspirations and ideas for mana motuhake and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
âAs signalled at Koroneihana last year, mana motuhake is an approach offering solutions and hope for the future of our nation. MÄori can lead for all, and we are prepared to do that.
âThe hui is open to all and will be conducted in accordance with tikanga.â
The hui at Turangawaewae will be one of several opportunities for people to express their views and explore potential solutions.
- RNZ
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