In a historic moment for New Zealand, Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō has been crowned as the eighth Māori monarch, succeeding her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who was laid to rest during a solemn ceremony. The 27-year-old was chosen as “kuini” (the Māori term for queen) by a council of Māori chiefs during a traditional ceremony on the North Island of New Zealand.
Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō becomes only the second Māori queen in history, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. She is the youngest child of Kiingi Tuheitia, who passed away last Friday at the age of 69, just days after marking the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
The crowning ceremony took place at Tūrangawaewae Marae, the seat of the Kiingitanga, or Māori king movement. Sitting on a carved wooden throne, Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō was blessed with the same Bible used to anoint the first Māori king in 1858. She was crowned in front of her father’s coffin, adorned with a wreath and a cloak, while prayers and chants were performed prior to the burial.
Kiingi Tuheitia’s body, which had lain in state for six days, was transported to his final resting place on Mount Taupiri, a site sacred to the Māori people. His coffin was carried by a flotilla of war canoes along the Waikato River, a deeply symbolic gesture honoring his legacy.
The transition to Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō as queen marks a generational shift for the Māori monarchy. Many view her ascension as a gesture of renewal and a positive influence on younger Māori generations. The new queen holds a master’s degree in Māori cultural studies and teaches kapa haka, the traditional Māori performing arts.
Kiingi Tuheitia’s funeral was an emotional and elaborate ceremony, featuring a traditional haka dance. His coffin was carried up Mount Taupiri, where he was laid to rest, concluding a week of formal proceedings in honor of his life and legacy.
Rahui Papa, spokesman for the Kiingitanga, paid tribute to the late king, stating, “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom, and the entire nation. A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”
Political leaders in New Zealand also expressed their condolences. Chris Hipkins, leader of the opposition Labour Party, described the late king as “a fantastic king with a wicked sense of humor, but also a very good man… with a real focus on bringing New Zealanders together.” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised King Tuheitia for his commitment to both Māori and all New Zealanders, acknowledging the king’s contributions to unity across the nation.
However, Mr. Luxon, whose government has been accused of enacting policies perceived as anti-Māori, did not attend the funeral as he was on an official visit to South Korea.
Kiingi Tuheitia’s leadership was recognized for unifying the Māori people, especially during politically challenging times. His official period of mourning was extended to seven days to accommodate the large delegations paying tribute. The Māori monarchy, established in the 19th century to prevent land loss to British colonizers and to preserve Māori culture, remains largely ceremonial but is deeply symbolic for the Māori people.
The ascension of Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō ushers in a new chapter for the Māori monarchy, as she steps into a role that carries both historical weight and contemporary significance for New Zealand’s indigenous population.
