Devendra Kumar
On Thursday, a new Maori Queen was appointed amidst a challenging period for race relations in New Zealand, marking a significant moment as the country grapples with some of the most pressing issues in two decades.
Nga Wai Hono i te Po was selected by Maori elders to succeed her father, King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, who passed away last week at the age of 69 following surgery.
A statement from the Kiingitanga (royal family) explained that the new queen was introduced in a ceremony known as Te Whakawahinga, which took place before thousands who had gathered for the tangihanga (funeral and burial) of Kiingi Tuheitia.
Unlike a traditional coronation, the new queen was not crowned; instead, a bible used since 1858 was placed upon her head, and Archbishop Don Tamihere applied sacred oils to confer prestige, sanctity, power, and spiritual essence upon her.
The funeral ceremony, held at Tuurangawaewae, the central meeting place of the King movement, was attended by thousands who came to pay their respects in a traditional manner.
Following the anointment of his daughter, King Tuheitia’s coffin was transported by hearse to the Waikato River, then carried in a flotilla of traditional Maori waka (canoes) to Taupiri Mountain for burial alongside other royals and prominent Maori figures.
The Maori King or Queen serves as the paramount chief for several iwi (tribes), though not all iwi are affiliated with the monarch. The role holds no judicial or legal authority in New Zealand and is primarily ceremonial.
The role of the monarch is not strictly hereditary but is elected by representatives from iwi across the country.
The new queen, or Kuini, who is 27 years old, is the only daughter and youngest child of the former King and his wife Te Atawhai Makau Ariki.
Despite having two older brothers, she was favored for the position, though her ascension was not a certainty.
According to Radio New Zealand, the new queen holds a Master of Arts in Tikanga (Maori societal lore) and has been involved with various boards, including the Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, which is dedicated to revitalizing the Maori language.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the government’s support for the new queen, recognizing her role in continuing her father’s legacy of leadership.
Her appointment occurs during a time of tension in New Zealand’s race relations.
The current center-right coalition government, which took office last year, has begun reversing policies from previous administrations that supported the Maori language, improved Indigenous living standards and rights, and addressed historical injustices from colonization.
Earlier this year, King Tuheitia convened a gathering of tribes to discuss responses to government changes. During this meeting, he emphasized the importance of their voices, with his daughter, the newly appointed queen, standing beside him.
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