A bronze sculpture of the second Māori King, Kīngi Tāwhiao Tukaroto Matutaera Pōtatau Te Wherowhero will be unveiled today at a special ceremony at Waikato Museum.
Kiwi artist Gary Schofield, who now lives in the USA, created the sculpture in the 1980s and had always planned to gift it back to the city to mark its 150th anniversary.
The sculpture has been in the care of the current Waikato Museum, pending a formal unveiling.
Over the past 18 months, the Hamilton City Council has been working with Kīngi Tūheitia's office to arrange the unveiling of the sculpture. Mr Schofield and Kingi Tūheitia went to school together at Southwell School.
King Tuheitia's son, Whatumoana Paki, will represent the king's office at today's proceedings.
Te Kāea reporter, Numia Ponika-Rangi will be a part of the event and will bring you more tonight on Te Kāea at 5:30pm.