Media Release
May 26, 2008

First interview with King Tuheitia

The latest issue of Mana magazine has the first-ever media interview with the Maori King, Tuheitia. After months of requests, Mana editor Derek Fox was granted an exclusive interview with this down-to-earth man who stepped into the role of Maori King after the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, almost two years ago.

At Turongo house in Ngaruawahia, Derek met the King who talked candidly about his early life, his family and interests, and how he’s adapting to his new lifestyle as head of the Kingitanga movement.

This special commemorative issue of Mana is brimming with stories about the Kingitanga which has just celebrated its 150th birthday. It’s a remarkable achievement when you consider that because they didn’t want to sell their lands Waikato Tainui were invaded, their people killed, and laws passed to steal their land - and not all that long ago.

As well as talking to King Tuheitia, Mana look at the resilience and recovery of the Waikato Tainui people and Qantas award-winning journalist Qiane Corfield-Matata asks just what the Kingitanga means to people today?

Mana is New Zealand’s leading Maori lifestyle, current affairs and heritage magazine. Mana 82, June-July 2008 is on sale from May 29.

ENDS

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