Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 7, 2024 2:17 pm GMT
A new chapter in Māori leadership has begun following the recent anointment of Nga Wai Hono i te Po as the new Māori Queen, just one week after the passing of her father, King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. The ceremony took place at Tūrangawaewae Marae in New Zealand, amid a backdrop of significant challenges for race relations in the country.
Details of the Anointment Ceremony
On Thursday, thousands gathered at Tūrangawaewae to witness the historic event that marked the ascension of 27-year-old Nga Wai Hono i te Po as the second-ever Māori queen. Her father, King Tuheitia, who ruled for 18 years, died at the age of 69 after heart surgery, leaving a pivotal legacy in Māori leadership. The anointment ceremony, known as Te Whakawahinga, involved a traditional practice where a bible, used since 1858, was placed upon the new queen’s head, and sacred oils were applied by Archbishop Don Tamihere to symbolize her new role’s prestige, power, and spiritual essence.
Following the ceremony, the late king’s coffin was taken on a poignant journey to the Waikato River in a hearse, then transferred to traditional Māori waka (canoes) as part of a flotilla that paddled to Taupiri Mountain, his final resting place alongside other prominent Māori figures.
The Role of the Māori Monarch
The position of the Māori monarch, while a significant cultural symbol, does not hold judicial or legal authority within New Zealand. Instead, it serves a largely ceremonial function. The choice of the monarch is not strictly hereditary; rather, it is determined by representatives of various iwi (tribes) across New Zealand. Nga Wai Hono i te Po is the youngest child and only daughter of the late king and his wife, Te Atawhai Makau Ariki.
Educational Background and Future Outlook
Educated at the University of Waikato, the new queen holds a Master’s degree in Tikanga Māori, encompassing societal customs and values of her people. She has also been actively involved in numerous organizations aimed at revitalizing the Māori language, including the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust. Throughout her upbringing, she participated in Kapa Haka, a traditional Māori performing art that has been central to her identity. She received her chin tattoo, known as moko kauae, at 19 years old to honor her father’s decade on the throne.
Despite being favored to succeed her father, Nga Wai Hono i te Po’s elevation was not guaranteed, with tribal representatives considering multiple factors before making their decision.
Challenges Ahead for Race Relations
The new queen takes on her role at a critical moment in New Zealand’s history, particularly concerning race relations. Since the center-right coalition government took office last year, there have been concerns about policies that appear to roll back advancements made for Indigenous rights, including the decline in the official use of the Māori language and the closure of the Māori Health Authority. These shifts have sparked debates about Māori representation and welfare.
During the final months of his reign, King Tuheitia emphasized the importance of unity among the Māori tribes, gathering leaders to strategize and respond to government initiatives perceived as harmful to indigenous communities. In January, he addressed thousands of Māori at this gathering, advocating for collective action and asserting that their voices matter. This push for unity and advocacy is now a mantle that his daughter, the new queen, will inherit.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his support for the new queen, stating that she carries forward the leadership left behind by her father. His remarks coincided with the king’s funeral, which he was unable to attend due to an official trip abroad.
Conclusion
As Nga Wai Hono i te Po begins her new role as Māori Queen, she feels the weight of her father’s legacy and the hopes of her community. She faces many challenges ahead, but her education, experience, and upbringing make her a strong symbol of resilience for the Māori people. This is especially important now, as issues of representation and race are major topics in New Zealand.
