On Thursday, Nga Wai Hono i te Po was formally anointed as the new Māori queen in New Zealand, succeeding the late King Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII. The anointment ceremony took place on the North Island and was conducted by a council of Māori chiefs, as reported by AFP.
At 27 years old, Nga Wai becomes the second Māori queen in the eight-dynasty history of the Kingitanga movement. Her father, who was 69, passed away last week following heart surgery. Nga Wai’s ascension was marked by a traditional Māori ceremony called Te Whakawahinga, held in front of thousands of attendees at her father’s tangihanga (funeral and burial).
Rather than a traditional crown, Archbishop Don Tamihere placed a historic Bible, in use since 1858, on Nga Wai’s head and anointed her with holy oils to imbue her with dignity, sacredness, strength, and spiritual essence.
The funeral for King Tuheitia drew thousands to Turangawaewae, the Kingitanga’s traditional gathering place. Following the anointment, the King’s coffin was transported to the Waikato River and then floated in a procession of traditional Māori waka (canoes) to Taupiri Mountain, where he was interred alongside other Māori royals.
Established in 1858, the Māori monarchy aims to combat colonization and safeguard Māori culture and land. Although the role is largely ceremonial, it is seen by many tribes as a symbol of supreme leadership. Nga Wai, who holds a master’s degree in Māori cultural studies from Waikato University, has been involved in various organizations, including the Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, which focuses on revitalizing the Māori language.
Her anointment occurs during a period of strained racial relations in New Zealand. Since the current centre-right coalition took office last year, there have been efforts to reverse policies supporting Māori language use, improved Indigenous rights, and rectifying colonial injustices.