A large contingent of Ngati Kahungunu iwi in Hawke's Bay is travelling to Ngaruawahia on Thursday to mark the coronation of the Maori King, Tuheitia.
King Tuheitia was crowned in 2007 as the head of the Maori kingship movement.
An overwhelming response to panui (notices) has led to four bus loads of people making their way to Turangawaewae marae to reinforce their whakapapa ties to the Maori King's family.
Also attending will be other tribes from across Aotearoa who acknowledge the Maori kingitanga movement and Pacific royal dignitaries.
The koroneihana celebrations will start with a large powhiri ceremony followed by kapahaka performances from Waikato-Tainui ending with a banquet at the Kimiora wharekai (dining hall) at Turangawaewae marae on Friday.
