Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on New Zealand political leaders honouring Kīngi Tūheitia

Parliamentarians honoured Kīngi Tūheitia with speeches this afternoon - before the House adjourned early.

The leader of the Kiingitanga died almost a fortnight ago, following heart surgery.

He's succeeded by his daughter - 27-year-old Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's tributes from all sides of the political aisle. 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Barry so senior political correspondence with us.

Speaker 2 (00:02):
Now, hey Barry, good afternoon head.

Speaker 1 (00:03):
So all of Parliament was just about messages about the
late king.

Speaker 2 (00:06):
Yes, a very short day at Parliament to day for
the MPs, back at work after yet another recess, and
the whole sitting permission of the government was devoted to
paying a tribute to King tuh Tia before it adjourned
for the day. So they've all gone Homer up to
Balami's for a drink to toast the king, no doubt.

(00:29):
But look it was kicked off by the Prime Minister
Chris Luxon, who you remember was moved to tears at
Terrangawaiwai after the king's death. As expected, he was a
little more collected today.

Speaker 3 (00:41):
Though k to Haitia was a servant to his people,
he guided them with wisdom, strength and an unwavering commitment
to Kotahitanga. K to Haitia carried himself with deep personal humility.
A son of Huntley and a former truck driver, he
had the ability to connect with people from any and
all walks of life. He was not just a leader,
but a friend and mentor to many, and in particular

(01:01):
a strong advocate for young people. His words often carried
the weight of profound wisdom, and his presence was a
source of great comfort and strength, as I count myself
so fortunate to have experienced.

Speaker 2 (01:12):
Luxan obviously is quite impressed the few times that he
did may meet King two Ati. You remember, though, from
King Charles's coronation last year, there was a gathering at
New Zealand House in London where our High Commissioner Phil
Goff had an opsy moment. Have a listen, hands up

(01:33):
anyone here that has been to a coronation before, or
was even alive when there was a coronation.

Speaker 3 (01:38):
I've actually just expressed significant disappointment at what.

Speaker 4 (01:42):
Has taken place here.

Speaker 1 (01:43):
We have our own coronation.

Speaker 3 (01:45):
It is somewhat offensive to suggest that we're done by
only recognizing Pakiha coronations.

Speaker 2 (01:52):
Now, that was the King's chief of staff. The King
was in the audience theme. You remember. It was a
big news event at the time. To Hat was having
a laugh in the background. I was watching him when
that happened, and he found it quite funny. And I've
got to say that Labor's Chris Hopkins. He was in
the crowd at New Zealand House at the time, and

(02:14):
he remembered that in Parliament today.

Speaker 4 (02:16):
Particular proceeding at New Zealand House had not gone according
to plan. Umbridge was taken quite rightly. And shortly after
that event, I sat down with kingy to Haiti to
settle things down again and to have a conversation. Many
from across the country have come forward over the past
week to speak about Kurtahitanya and about the work that

(02:40):
kingy to Haitia did to bring us together as a country.

Speaker 2 (02:44):
Yeah, and that wasn't the only mistake that was made.
Have a listen to how the Speaker introduced the act
Leader in Parliament today. Here that the Honorable Davison Clan,
the Honorable Davis and Clan.

Speaker 3 (02:55):
Thank you, mister Speaker. To Futi far to poor, to
futty far too, nuiuio gloom and sorrow prevail day and night.

Speaker 2 (03:05):
We send our love and we share in the pain.

Speaker 1 (03:09):
Do we know where David Sinkly?

Speaker 2 (03:12):
Do we? Well? Seymour stood? So maybe he goes by
another name sin Clear these days because he's none too
popular with his Treaty Principals Bill, So perhaps he's going
in cognito.

Speaker 1 (03:24):
Yeah, plament, Hey, what do you make of the coppers
being able to go get the patches off the gang
members at home.

Speaker 2 (03:30):
Look, I'm not a great libertarian when it comes to
this sort of thing. I think gangs should be outlawed.
They should Any action that prevent them from going out
in the public and intimidating people should certainly be taken,
and that's what this government is said about doing. But honestly,
it was after the Select Committee had sat and took

(03:53):
all the submissions in that a clause was added to
it saying that if they recidibus to fee they are
offiend I think it was four times wearing their gang insignia.
Then the cops would have the right to go into
their home to ensure that there's no gang insignia there,
and they're not allowed to wear it in the privacy

(04:15):
of their own homes. Now, you know, I can understand
the law society being a bit dodgy about this one,
because it really is probably overstepping the mark. I don't
like gangs any better than anybody else, but surely your
home is what you do in your home is private
and the cop shouldn't be able to kick in the door.

(04:37):
Have you got a gang, ye?

Speaker 1 (04:38):
Okay, so what if I tell you this, It only
applies to people gang members who have been recidivous defenders
repeatedly wearing their patches out of public and having them removed. Yes,
and this is the cops going in and take excuse me,
taking the patches off them.

Speaker 2 (04:53):
Well taking well, no doubt, if they're caught out wearing
their patches outside they'll be taken off.

Speaker 1 (04:58):
But the the cops, the cops, gentleman of the house,
basically you know, warrant whatever, like take the patches and
what's the problem with that season Well stuff they shouldn't have.

Speaker 2 (05:07):
And they're not allowed to wear them in their homes either.
I mean, it just seems is it not more.

Speaker 1 (05:12):
About that though? Is it not more about you know,
this chap is going to wear it tomorrow at the tonguey,
so we're going to go take it off him.

Speaker 2 (05:18):
Well, surely he'll soon get sick of being fined and
you know, having another conviction against gang member.

Speaker 1 (05:26):
They do hate being fine vibe by the Yeah, I
think I know you're onto a barrier police commission for
your next job. Thank you very much, really appreciate it.
It's very so per senior political correspondent.

Speaker 4 (05:39):
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