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The Maori King attends the water hui at Turangawaewae marae - Source: ONE News -
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Today's high-powered meeting on the contentious issue of Maori rights to water is wrapping up at the Turangawaewae marae.
The national hui was called by the Maori King after the Government delayed the partial sale of state asset Mighty River Power.
About 700 people attended the hui and others gathered outside.
The A-listers of Maoridom were welcomed onto marae, where the meeting house is on the edge of the Waikato River - a fitting place to thrash out the issue of Maori water rights.
Many in the Maori council want a national deal with the Crown, but many iwi leaders are happy to negotiate separately, iwi by iwi.
Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia called the hui in a bid to form a consensus. The Maori King was keen to emphasise the importance of water to Maori - he said not only is it a life source, but it also has healing properties.
And he is encouraging people not to allow the Crown to divide and conquer.
"It is achievable for us to come together because water unites us all," hui organiser Tuku Morgan said.
Mana Party leader Hone Harawira said while the Prime Minister wants a commercial return by selling off state assets, "Maori want more than that - they want water to be recognised as a treasure".
The hui was attended by Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, but National MPs and the Prime Minister were notably absent. The Government will consult with Maori over the next five weeks.