Thousands made their way to Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia to take part in the final day of a week long coronation celebration for King Tuheitia.
The celebrations have been taking place for King Tuheitia following a year of mourning for his mother the Maori Queen, Dame Dame Te Atairangi Kaahu.
Stepping up from among the new generation of pacific royalty the king spoke publicly for the first time on Tuesday.
His message was simple - think globally to achieve locally.
There is nothing new in that.
Tuheitia is pushing the same message as his late mother - that maori can succeed by being united and taking advantage of educational opportunities.
Among those attending were Prime Minister Helen Clark and the King of Tonga.
Following his speech King Tuheitia was joined by the Tongan King for the formal waka salute on the banks of the Waikato River.
Now that the official year-long mourning period after the death of his mother is over, the new King will step up to lead the movement.
