News of the appointment of Te Arikinui Nga wai hono i te po as new leader of the Kīngitanga was greeted with joy amongst the tears from the tens of thousands at Tūrangawaewae, who farewelled her father, Kīngi Tuheitia last week.
Crowds gather at Tūrangawaewae, as the identity of the new leader Nga wai hono i te pō, is revealed. Photo Sigrid Christiansen
The 27-year-old also follows in the footsteps of her highly respected grandmother Dame Te Atairangikaahu. The latter had been the first to use the term “Arikinui” (the highest ariki or leader) rather than the transliteration kuini, which echoes the English word “queen.”
Maniapoto kaumātua and former Waipā District Council iwi relations advisor Te Makau (Shane) Te Ruki felt that support for the new queen was immediately noticeable across the marae, from the instant the news was announced.
As soon as her face became visible to onlookers, applause began.
“The moment the tekau mā rua and the whānau pani (the leadership council and the bereaved family) turned around the corner, and we saw the face of our new queen with them, the reaction was one of joy in the hearts of our people, although it was a very sad day.
“We could all see that.”
Dan Te Kanawa, Te Makau (Shane) Te Ruki and Puku (Barney) Anderson shared their support for Nga wai hono i te po, the new leader of the Kīngitanga.
He said her appointment was a continuation of that work for many years, since the inception of the Kīngitanga.
“I think [the applause] says a lot about the support for her; that the choice was the right one for the people. Going forward, they will support the new queen.
He said there was still much work to be done, but that the Arikinui already had a strong base of support, especially among her own generation.
“She is already a leader in her own right. She has inherited the mana of the Kīngitanga: of her grandmother, and also her father.”
Te Arikinui Nga wai hono i te po
