Summarised by Centrist
The spotlight is on Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō, 27, takes on the mantle of Māori Queen following the passing of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia.
She is the second-youngest monarch in the Kiingitanga movement’s history and was chosen by the 12-member Kiingitanga council, Tekau maa-rua, after some deliberation.
She becomes the eighth Māori monarch and the second woman to hold the role.
Despite her brothers—Te Ariki Tamaaroa Whatumoana Paki and Te Ariki Turuki Korotangi Paki—being prominent figures, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has emerged as the chosen successor.
Her rise to prominence began in 2020, when she was appointed to the Waitangi National Trust, representing Māori from the North Island south of Tāmaki Makaurau. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Tikanga Māori, her academic background complements her deep involvement in kapa haka, where she first performed on stage at Te Matatini in 2013.
Her appointment continues the royal legacy passed down from her grandmother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, New Zealand’s first Māori queen.
