The Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, is set to have a kidney transplant next week.
Kiingi Tuheitia making his annual speech at Turangawaewae in August Photo: RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson
The donor will be his youngest son, Korotangi.
Waikato Tainui have begun the traditional Pai Mārire prayer process for the king, which will continue morning and night until he has recovered.
A spokesperson for the king said he was in good spirits.
Kingi Tuheitia is the seventh Māori monarch.