On a freezing morning in Ngāruawāhia, mourners gathered by the thousands to pay their respects to Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the recently deceased Māori King. His daughter, Ngā wai hono i te po, is now the new queen, becoming the second woman to ascend to the Māori throne in a tradition that dates back to 1858. The mourners, donned in black attire and traditional Māori adornments, came to witness the transition of power and honor the late king as he was escorted to his final resting place along the Waikato River.
The passing of King Tūheitia marked the end of a significant era for the Māori people in New Zealand. A week-long funeral rite, filled with ceremonial protocols and symbolic gestures, culminated in the burial of the king alongside his mother on Taupiri Maunga. The Kīngitanga movement, representing Māori royalty, holds a ceremonial role in New Zealand, with King Charles III of Britain serving as the official head of state. Despite its non-constitutional status, the movement has played a vital role in preserving Māori culture and language.
Amidst a backdrop of political unrest and challenges to Māori rights, King Tūheitia’s voice grew louder in his final months. He called for unity among Māori tribes, urging them to embrace their heritage and stand strong in the face of adversity. His daughter, Ngā wai hono i te po, now steps into the role of queen, representing a new generation of Māori leadership. While her father’s generation grappled with the suppression of Māori language and customs, she emerged from a resurgence of cultural pride and activism.
The funeral procession for King Tūheitia brought together people from all walks of life, including political leaders, past prime ministers, and representatives of the British crown. Tens of thousands of ordinary New Zealanders also paid their respects, reflecting the widespread impact of Māori language and customs on the nation’s public life. The importance of unity, or kotahitanga, resonated throughout the funeral ceremonies, as mourners stood in silence, bowing as the late king made his final journey to Taupiri Maunga.
As the new queen, Ngā wai hono i te po represents a symbol of renewal and continuity for the Māori culture. The majority of Māori in New Zealand are under the age of 40, with a growing emphasis on Māori language immersion schools and cultural education. The queen’s ascension signals a shift towards a new era of Māori leadership and activism, as younger generations embrace their heritage and identity. The funeral ceremonies and the outpouring of support from diverse communities reflect the enduring significance of Māori traditions in New Zealand’s multicultural society.
