I Will Not Abdicate
A Waikato Times story headlined “I will abdicate” in reference to Kiingi Tuheitia is false and a complete misrepresentation of the facts says a spokesman for Kiingi Tuheitia.

Spokesperson Rahui Papa said the story published in the Waikato Times today (02-03-10) completely misrepresented the words of Kiingi Tuheitia, and had caused significant hurt within Waikato-Tainui and throughout the motu.

“Kiingi Tuheitia did not use those words, nor would he ever use such language,” Mr Papa said.

“Many tens of thousands of people witnessed the King’s coronation at Turangawaewae following the passing of his mother Te Arikinui Te Ataiirangikaahu in 2006.
The crowning was a sacred ceremony that had followed the debate and ultimate selection by tribal leaders from throughout the country. The head of the Kingitanga is not a title that can, nor ever would be “abdicated” irrespective of any tribal issues..”

Mr Papa said the King addressed Te Kauhanganui (Waikato-Tainui Parliament) at the weekend to call for an end to the public criticism of different groups, and to call for unity.
“There have been some very damaging statements made by anonymous sources who purport to speak as tribal members. There was no talk of abdication. The King and our people are very hurt that his words have been twisted by the newspaper and their sources.”

Waikato-Tainui are a proud people who have developed strong and robust processes to discuss and debate tribal matters. The sentiment of the King that such matters do not need to be argued in the newspaper are shared by many of our people.
To then have his words twisted to state he has threatened to abdicate is unethical and inaccurate, and demonstrates why we refuse to engage in important tribal debate via the newspapers.

ENDS

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