Thousands Gather to Honor Māori Queen at Tūrangawaewae Marae

Thousands of people gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae on Wednesday to honor the ascension of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono I te po and to commemorate loved ones who have passed away. The event, which welcomed attendees from across the motu, saw an estimated 9,000 participants, many of whom brought their kawe mate — the memories of their deceased relatives.

As attendees marched through the gates, they were welcomed by the brass bands of the Rātana Church. Moko Tini, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, noted that the workforce at the marae had doubled in preparation for the influx of visitors. “The swell of rangatahi that are here with the effervescence and energy that they have… we get to relax and enjoy, and see the years and years of labor that our kaumatua, ruruhi, koroheke have invested into our people,” Tini said.

Many of the whānau pani present shared a connection to Te Arikinui’s upbringing, with some stating that they were family members. “That’s her nana, that’s her koro… there are many times when she’s with her friends from Te Whānau ā Apanui,” Tini remarked, reflecting on the emotional significance of welcoming these guests in her official capacity.

The Importance of Unity and Future Aspirations

The Kiingitanga also released a report following the Hui ā Motu, which was called by Kiingi Tuheitia and took place in January last year, attracting 10,000 participants. The hui focused on the theme of kotahitanga — unity — and emphasized the need to amplify the voices of rangatahi Māori.

The report stated, “They have come through koohanga well educated, steeped in te ao Māori and fluent in te reo. They see the world differently, and are ready to fight for equity and genuine mana motuhake.” It highlighted calls for economic sovereignty and new Māori models of development, as well as the necessity for unity among iwi and collaboration between Māori and non-Māori communities.

The responsibility of fostering kotahitanga, as laid out by Kiingi Tuheitia, now rests with his daughter, Te Arikinui. Her role as a leader is seen as pivotal for the future of Māori communities.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, expressed optimism regarding the young queen. “At just 28 years old, the Queen will be around for a long time. I wasn’t around when our last kuini had her coronation, but this is going to be our kuini for 50 years,” she said.

Ngarewa-Packer highlighted the connection many rangatahi feel with Te Arikinui, noting that they have grown up alongside her. “There’s just a real affinity with the legacy of her papa to say to unite and to be together, and to think together.”

Aperahama Edwards, a leader from Ngātiwai, remarked that Māori of all ages look upon the queen with hope for the future. “We look upon her and we’re hopeful,” he stated, addressing the challenges faced by Māori under government policies. “We come together in settings like this to remember our uniqueness — our unique place in Aotearoa.”

Upcoming Engagements and Community Support

On Thursday, Pacific leaders are expected to visit Tūrangawaewae Marae, further emphasizing the significance of this gathering as a focal point for community support and cultural connection.

As the celebrations continue, the gathering serves not only as a tribute to the Māori queen but also as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Māori people, their commitment to unity, and the hope for a better future.