Nga Wai Hono i te Po Crowned Māori Queen

Following the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who passed away on August 30 after heart surgery, his daughter, 27-year-old Ngā Wai Hono i te Po Paki, has been crowned the new Māori Queen in a significant ceremony attended by thousands. This event marks her as the second female monarch in the Māori royal tradition, which began in the 1850s, as she succeeds her father after 18 years of his reign. Her ascension occurs amid rising tensions between Māori communities and the New Zealand government, which has been reversing policies aimed at addressing systemic inequalities. Ngā Wai, who holds a master’s degree in Māori customs, is seen as a symbol of renewal and a bridge between modernity and tradition, reflecting the values of younger generations. The coronation took place at Turangawaewae marae, where her father was laid to rest alongside his ancestors, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Māori unity and sovereignty. King Charles III extended condolences on the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia, highlighting the international significance of this transition in Māori leadership.