Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown arrives at Tuurangawaewae Marae to pay his respects to the Kiingitanga. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Hundreds of people have arrived at Tuurangawaewae for the second pōwhiri of the day, including delegates from across Te Moana nui ā kiwa.
They joined the thousands who had already arrived for the tangihanga of the Māori King, Tuheitia Paki (crowned Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia), who died at the age of 69 last week.
The first pōwhiri started at 8am, but with an estimated 8000-strong crowd, there was not enough room for everyone.
At least 13 iwi, including Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Mataatua waka and Te Atiawa, were represented in the first contingent of manuhiri at Tuurangawaewae Marae on Monday.
To squeeze in more people, the poukai was stripped of plastic seats, which were rushed across the road to accommodate the kuia and kaumatua.
In all, some 1000 people were not able to fit inside the marae grounds.
On day three of the tangihanga for Kiingi Tuheitia, guests included the Governor-General, members of the Rātana Church, and iwi including Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Hine.
Mourning will continue at Tuurangawaewae for the next three days.
Kiingi Tuheitia's successor was expected to be announced on Thursday.
See how the day unfolded with RNZ's blog: