In 2012 King Tūheitia formally established his Tekau-mā-Rua (the twelve, an advisory council); each monarch has had a Tekau-mā-Rua to offer advice and act as a senior council within the Kiingitanga. He also added a spiritual council, called Te Kāhui Wairua. These two councils work together in providing advice, guidance and a strategic platform for the King and the Kiingitanga. For the first time for the Kiingitanga, King Tūheitia's Tekau-mā-Rua is made up of members from outside of the Waikato tribal region (the King's direct tribe).
