King Tuheitia (C) with his sons Whatumoana (L) and Korotangi Paki. Photo: NZ Herald
Reta Puhi Tamainupo, who attended last night's karakia, told Radio New Zealand that everyone was thinking of King Tuheitia and the family members who are by his bedside.
"The families that are born and bred around the marae just slowly came onto the marae and sat, sort of a solemn occasion, a worry."
She said they had done a karakia at 7pm yesterday, and 7am today.
"Because the news had gone out within the families around the marae, family just started to gather for the 7 o'clock service.
"I guess the families will just stick to the karakia until they know for sure the King is fine," she told RNZ.
