New Zealand’s Māori king, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, has passed away, with his daughter, Ngā wai hono I te po, stepping up as the new queen. She is the second woman to take up the role in a tradition that dates back to 1858. The king’s funeral was attended by a diverse group of people, including Māori tribes, political leaders, past prime ministers, Pacific Island nations, diplomats, and representatives of the British crown.
Tūheitia’s funeral was held in Ngāruawāhia, where thousands gathered to pay their respects and witness his daughter’s ascension to the throne. After the ceremony, Ngā wai hono I te po joined her late father on a traditional canoe procession along the Waikato River to his final resting place. The passing of Tūheitia marks the end of a weeklong tangihanga, honoring his leadership and unity among New Zealand’s Indigenous people.
The Kīngitanga, or Māori royalty movement, has a ceremonial mandate rather than a legal one and plays a vital role in uniting Māori tribes in New Zealand. Tūheitia, a quiet and humble man, became more vocal in recent months in the face of policies reversing recognition of Māori language and customs. He emphasized the importance of embracing unity and being true to Māori identity in the face of growing racial divisions.
The ascension of Tūheitia’s daughter presents a new generation of Māori leadership in New Zealand that is rooted in a resurging language and culture. The queen, who grew up immersed in Māori customs and attended Māori immersion schools, represents a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating Māori heritage. Her appointment signals a shift towards a younger, more culturally-conscious leadership.
The funeral was a significant event that highlighted the growing importance of Māori language and customs in New Zealand’s public life. The attendance of political leaders, past prime ministers, and representatives from various nations at the ceremony underscored the cultural significance of the occasion. The funeral procession, marked by ceremonial chants and rituals, exemplified the deep respect and reverence for Tūheitia’s legacy.
The queen’s anointment with oils and the funeral service for her father was a poignant moment that brought together mourners to honor the late king’s legacy. The procession to the sacred mountain where Tūheitia was laid to rest was a somber yet powerful display of respect and reverence. The involvement of people from all walks of life, including young families and children, underscored the unity and renewal symbolized by the queen’s ascension to the throne.
