Education, identity the focus of Kings first speech

Amid numerous tributes to him and his mother, King Tuheitia stressed the importance of education and identity for Maori in his first public speech.

Speaking on the first anniversary of his coronation, the former Te Wananga o Aotearoa tutor said education for children and adults was a vital pathway to success for Maori.

King Tuheitia lauded kohanga reo, the Maori language pre-schools which his mother, the late Maori Queen, had been a strong supporter of.

"They promote a belief that our children and mokopuna can succeed in all that they do if they know their language, culture and identity," the King said in a speech delivered entirely in Maori.

"As parents and grandparents we need to nurture the next generation to excel in all that they do, pursue excellence and be tireless in their determination."

King Tuheitia said learning would play a big part in allowing Maori and other Pacific peoples to reach their potential.

"As we commit to our Maori way and world view we open doors to peoples of all cultures, their language, knowledge and even create the potential for trading opportunities alongside the Maori economy."

King Tuheitia also paid tribute to his mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who died on August 15 last year, saying she had added greatly to the legacy of the five Maori kings that preceded her.

"I pay tribute to their wisdom and leadership to ensure that Maori people will continue to shape this nation of Aotearoa, our lands, our mountains, our rivers, our forests, our oceans and our people," he said.

"We strive to lead opportunities for our people without fear but with courage and determination, secure in the knowledge that collectively we have the capacity to charter new waters and new horizons."

King Tuheitia spoke from a rostrum after a religious ceremony and some four hours of tributes to him and to his mother.

Speakers included Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, Western Samoa head of state His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Helen Clark, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis and numerous Maori leaders.

Others in attendance included King George Tupou V of Tonga, Princess Kekaulike Kawananakoa of Hawaii, Prince Teriihinoiatua Joinville Pomare of Tahiti, Niue Deputy Premier Fisa Pihigia and Cook Islands representative Sir Frederick Goodwin and New Zealand Governor-General Anand Satyanand.

Following his speech, the king's three waka taua, with 120 paddlers between them, saluted him and dignitaries beside the Waikato River, for which Tainui and the Government this year signed a guardianship agreement in principle.