Kīngi Tuheitia has called on Māori to continue to strive for unity in the face of policies targeting Māori.
"It's been a big year. It's not over yet. Next up is Ngāi Tahu in October. See you there. Let's keep working for kotahitanga."
Earlier this week during the 18th anniversary Koroneihana (coronation) celebrations of Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, it was announced the next hui ā-motu will be hosted by Ngāi Tahu in Christchurch.
It will mark off a milestone set by the king in January to have hui ā-motu held in all four corners of Aotearoa. Today he reiterated the call for unity.
"Let's keep pushing forward while we are currently facing a storm, there's no need to worry. In this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is kotahitanga, and with that we will reach our destination."
He urged Māori not to focus on "fighting against the Government" but to work on building a way of life together — Māori and non-Māori.
"We've got to make a space for tauiwi and others who want to live here."
He made mention of travelling across the motu and overseas where he felt Māori were respected and valued, but at home "things feel a bit different".
He paid tribute to the New Zealand Olympic team, saying his visit to Paris during the event was special.
"Everything came together — Pākehā, Māori, all of us. Team New Zealand was amazing, and their use of our tikanga Māori as a voice for all of Aotearoa was very special.
"I want to honour them and all others like them."
He said tikanga Māori should be at the forefront of being a New Zealander because it comes from the land.
"Our culture brings us together. Let's celebrate our Māori identity every day, we can all do this. It will help us grow. Growing together is the key."
Seemingly referring to the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, he said the Treaty provides a foundation for working together and that he is against a change or review of it.
"I do not want politicians to lead this conversation, about nationhood. The kōrero should be handed over to us, the people.
"Everything they do in Wellington is about getting votes in the next election. My call to the Government is to set up a non-political group to discuss our country's future under Te Tiriti.
"Let the people speak. We deserve to be heard."
He finished his speech by reiterating the need for Māori to trust and support one another.
"You know, sometimes we make things hard for ourselves. Let us embrace this kotahitanga and just roll with it.
"We should continue to listen and build together. We all need to be united in this so kia kaha e te iwi Maori. Let's stay focused on the pathway ahead."
The king's speech concludes the week-long event which included kawe mate, kapa haka performances, sports competition, visits from political parties, royal delegations from the Pacific and iwi from across the country.
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