As day three of the ninth Coronation of King Tuheitia rises, questions have been asked as to whether the King himself will be delivering his annual speech.
In 2013, poor health had prevented King Tuheitia from delivering his speech at the Koroneihana celebrations and it was his eldest son Whatumoana Paki who stood in to deliver on his behalf.
This could be the case again today.
So far this week, the King has been unable to be present on the pae, with his son Whatumoana sitting in again yesterday as Tūrangawaewae welcomed the various iwi from across Aotearoa and their kawe mate.
Last year though, King Tuheitia stood strong delivering his speech, he announced a new Kīngitanga Honours system which included three orders; Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, Taniwha, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
Koro Wetere and Kara Puketapu were the first recipients of the Tohu Hōnore o te Taniwha (Order of the Taniwha)
Princess Abigail Kekaulike Kinoiki Kawananakoa of Hawaii received the Tohu Hōnore Hira o Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu (Order of Te Arikinui Queen Te Atairangikaahu - Supreme Class)
Other recipients of Tohu Hōnore Hira o Te Arikinui Queen Te Atairangikaahu are Taini Puahaere Rutene and Nita Gregory.
Last year, King Tuheitia also spoke about the elections and bid farewell to the outgoing Māori ministers, his health ailments, and his son Korotangi. He thanked the people for their on-going support of the Kīngitanga and his family.
Here's his speech in full from 2014:
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The question begs, what topics will he be addressing today?