Kiingitanga welcomes Moana Nui to Turangawaewae
Photo credit: Koroneihana 2025 Official FB group
We were proud to watch Te Arikinui Kuiini Nga Wai Hono i te Po celebrate the first anniversary of her koroneihana (coronation) as Maaori Queen.
Today saw Ariki (estemeed leaders) from across Moana Nui arrive to Turangawaewae Marae in Waikato, Aotearoa to pay their respects to Kuiini Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, and show strength / solidarity as Tangata Moana.
Some of the Indigenous Pacific leaders included:
HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala of Tonga
Kaumaiti Nui Travel Tou Ariki (High Chief and President of the House of Ariki), Cook Islands •
HRH Princess Itia Pomare,Tahiti
HRH Prince Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa and HRH Prince Riley Kawananakoa, Hawai’i
Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, (Paramount Chief and traditional leader) of Fiji.
The full livestream of today’s event is available on YouTube through the Te Ao Māori News channel.
Photo credit: Te Ao Māori News
It’s been one year since Kiingi Tuhetia, the previous Māori King, passed away. His legacy is one of cultural pride, kotahitanga (unity) for both iwi Māori and our people across Moana Nui, and in his own words….
“Just be Māori. Māori all day, everyday. We are here and we are strong.”
One of the most impactful things Kiingi Tuhetia did last year was bring Māori across Aotearoa together in protest against the current Government and their racist anti-Māori policies. These series of gatherings throughout 2024 were collectively known as Hui-a-motu.
It'‘s powerful to see that whakaaro (though process) continue through with his daughter Kuiini Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po. As we celebrate her coronation, we also turn our collective gaze to the future and look forward to seeing how our Queen will lead Māori into a bright, prosperous future for all of us.
Watch the full recorded live stream of Day 3 at Koroneihana 2025.