Thousands Gather at Tūrangawaewae Marae to Honor Māori Queen

On Wednesday, thousands flocked to Tūrangawaewae Marae in New Zealand to commemorate the ascension of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono I te po, as well as to honor the memories of loved ones. The event attracted approximately 9,000 attendees, who were welcomed through the marae gates by brass bands from the Rātana Church. This gathering provided a space for the community to grieve, celebrate, and connect.

The atmosphere at the marae was vibrant, with Kiingitanga spokesperson Moko Tini noting the increased workforce needed to accommodate the large turnout. She emphasized the significance of the younger generation’s participation, stating, “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 labour that our kaumatua, ruruhi, koroheke have invested into our people.”

Many who attended had close ties to Te Arikinui, as they were part of her upbringing. “That’s her nana, that’s her koro… koro Bom, June Mariu,” Tini reflected, expressing the deep emotional connection present at the event. The gathering served not only as a celebration of leadership but also as a reflection on the community’s shared history.

Calls for Unity and Action

The occasion aligned with previous discussions on Māori unity, particularly a major hui held in January 2023, which drew 10,000 participants. This event, called for by Kiingi Tuheitia, emphasized the importance of kotahitanga, or unity, and highlighted the need for young Māori voices to be elevated. The hui’s report noted that these youth are well-educated in te ao Māori and fluent in te reo, ready to advocate for equity and genuine mana motuhake.

The report also called for economic sovereignty and new Māori development models, stressing the necessity of collaboration among iwi and between Māori and non-Māori communities. The challenge of fostering kotahitanga has now been passed on to Te Arikinui, as the community looks to her leadership for guidance and hope.

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, expressed optimism regarding the new queen, stating, “I wasn’t around when our last kuini had her coronation, but this is going to be our kuini for 50 years.” She acknowledged the strong connection young people feel towards Te Arikinui, linking it to the legacy of her father.

Aperahama Edwards, a leader from Ngātiwai, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing a sense of hope among Māori of all ages. “We look upon her and we’re hopeful,” he stated, pointing out the ongoing challenges faced by Māori under the current government. Edwards noted that gatherings such as these are vital for celebrating their unique identity within Aotearoa.

Looking Ahead

As the celebration continued, it was announced that Pacific leaders would visit the marae on Thursday, further emphasizing the event’s significance within the wider community. The atmosphere of unity and reflection at Tūrangawaewae Marae highlighted not only the legacy of Te Arikinui but also the broader aspirations of Māori communities for the future.

This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength within the Māori community, as they come together to honor their past while looking forward to a hopeful future.