On Wednesday, more than 9,000 people gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Waikato to celebrate the accession of the new Māori queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō.
The event gave people the chance to both honour loved ones who had passed and welcome their new leader. Visitors arrived iwi by iwi, accompanied by music from the Rātana Church brass bands.
The marae doubled its workforce to host the huge crowd. Many young people joined with great energy, showing the legacy of years of work by elders. Families who knew the queen from her childhood came.
A new report was also shared, reflecting on Hui ā Motu, a large gathering held last year. It emphasised kotahitanga and encouraged giving Māori youth a stronger voice. The report called for more economic independence and for Māori and non-Māori to work together.
The challenge of unity, once set by Kiingi Tuheitia, now passes to his daughter, the new queen. At only 28 years old, leaders say she could guide the people for many decades. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the young queen is deeply connected with today’s youth and carries forward her father’s vision of togetherness.
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