New Zealand’s Maori chiefs have chosen a new monarch, crowning 27-year-old Queen Nga Wai hono i te po Paki in a ceremony that marks a turning point for the country’s Indigenous people.
Thousands gathered to cheer as Queen Nga Wai, the youngest daughter of the late King Tuheitia, ascended the throne on the North Island. She was selected by a council of chiefs following her father’s passing after heart surgery.
Draped in traditional attire, the new queen was guided to her seat by warriors performing ancient rites and chants. Her coronation unfolded in front of her father’s coffin, surrounded by powerful cultural rituals and prayers.
King Tuheitia’s six-day-long funeral procession was a spectacle steeped in Maori tradition. His body was carried down the Waikato River in war canoes, eventually resting at Mount Taupiri, the sacred burial site for Maori royalty.
Though the Maori monarchy holds no legal authority, it remains a vital cultural symbol of identity and leadership. Queen Nga Wai, as the youngest and only daughter, was an unexpected choice, as her elder brothers had been expected to succeed their father. This selection is seen as a shift in traditional leadership, bringing a fresh perspective to the Maori world.
Cultural advisor Karaitiana Taiuru expressed the significance of a younger leader in today’s rapidly evolving society. “The Maori community has long awaited new leadership to tackle modern challenges like AI, global warming, and social changes,” Taiuru said. The rise of Queen Nga Wai reflects this growing desire for youthful, progressive leadership.
New Zealand’s Maori population, making up 17% of the country, faces a range of issues including higher unemployment, health disparities, and lower life expectancy. The Maori King movement, or Kiingitanga, was established in 1858 to unite the tribes and create a counterbalance to British colonial rule. Queen Nga Wai is only the second female monarch to lead the movement, following her grandmother, Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who reigned for 40 years.
The new queen’s background includes a deep understanding of Maori traditions and language, having studied at Waikato University and taught Maori performing arts. Her journey into leadership has been marked by strong connections to her cultural roots, including receiving a traditional Maori tattoo to commemorate her father’s coronation anniversary.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the new queen, acknowledging the strong legacy left by her father and expressing confidence in her ability to guide the Maori people forward. “She carries the mantle of leadership with great pride,” he said.
As Queen Nga Wai takes the helm, her reign represents a beacon of hope for Maori people, symbolizing unity and the continuation of cultural heritage in modern times.
