Parliament honours Kiingi Tuheitia

Parliament adjourned early today in respect for Kiingi Tuheitia, the late leader of the Māori Kingitanga. Before they adjourned there were speeches.

When Parliament began its September sitting block on Tuesday, MPs met only to acknowledge a death and agree to return the following day.

The shortened day was to show respect after the unexpected death last week of the Māori King, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero.

Such an early adjournment is unusual, but not unprecedented. Typically this sort of thing is reserved for the death of a former Prime Minister, and is a significant honour.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details