The Kingitanga (king movement) has attended the tangihanga for the East Coast tribal leader, Apirana Mahuika.
Apirana Mahuika Photo: Twitter / Ngati Porou
Kaikorero (speakers) included King Tuheitia's right hand men, Tukoroirangi Morgan and Rahui Papa.
Delegations from Tuwharetoa, Raukawa and Ngapuhi have also given speeches on Rahui Marae in Tikitiki.
Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou said thousands of manuhiri (guests) had converged on the small town.
It said representatives had also come from Te Tairawhiti iwi, in addition to the first contingent of politicians.
Apirana Mahuika, who was 80, will be buried tomorrow.