The Maori King Movement or Kingitanga is a movement that arose among some Maori tribes in the 1850s to establish a symbolic role similar in status to that of the monarch of the British colonists.

The position of Maori monarch is a non-constitutional role with no legal power but it is a symbolic role of great prestige (mana). Since the 1850s the role has been vested in the Tainui iwi (tribe) who agreed to guard the position when it was created. The current Maori monarch, Tuheitia Paki, is descended from the first Maori king, Patatau Te Wherowhero, and was elected in 2006.

Since it was established, the Kingitanga movement and influence have expanded and are recognised and respected by Maori in many parts of New Zealand today.

The position of Maori monarch is not hereditary in principle. The monarch is appointed by the leaders of the tribes involved in the Kingitanga movement on the day of the previous monarch's funeral and before the burial. However, to date all Maori monarchs have been direct descendants of Patatau Te Wherowhero, the first Maori king, and each monarch has been succeeded by a son or daughter.

Patatau, Maori King (1856 - 1860)Tawhiao, Maori King (1860 - 1894)Mahuta, Maori King (1894 - 1912)Te Rata, Maori King (1912 - 1933)Koroki, Maori King (1933 - 1966)Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Maori Queen (1966 - 2006)Tuheitia Paki, Maori King (2006 - )

The three stamps in the set each reference a well known proverb that Patatau Te Wherowhero is identified with.