Shockwaves reverberated through the motu on Friday, August 30th, as Aotearoa learned of the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatou Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori King. Less than a week later, the Kīngitanga named its new leader: Te Arikinui Kuīni Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō, the youngest child and only daughter of the late Kīngi.
Mainstream media have covered the news extensively – it’s pretty huge. But in honour of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and in light of recent revelations that some students treat Critic Te Ārohi as their only source of news, here’s an explainer of who this new Kuīni is and what the Kīngitanga is all about.
What is the Kīngitanga?
The Kīngitanga is one of the oldest institutions still standing in Aotearoa’s political landscape. Created in 1858 by Mātene Te Whiwhi and Tāmihana Te Rauparaha, it emerged as a response to the creeping colonialism that threatened Māori land rights. They envisioned a Māori leader who would stand firm against land loss and ensure that Māori voices were heard in the new colonial era. To put it plainly, the Kīngitanga was born out of necessity – a determined stand against the colonial tide, ensuring Māori sovereignty and representation in their own land.
But let’s be real: the colonial government didn’t exactly fall over itself in adoration of the idea. On the contrary, they deemed the entire movement to be a treasonous act. Nevertheless, the institution persisted.
Fast forward to today, and the Kīngitanga remains a powerful advocate for Māori interests and rights, pushing for social, legal, and economic justice. While its influence is vast, not all iwi pledge allegiance to it. The reasons for this lack of alignment are diverse and complex, reflecting a plethora of differing perspectives on governance, historical grievances, and contemporary political priorities.
Some leaders argue that the titles of Kuīni and Kīngi don’t encompass the full spectrum of Māori perspectives. Some iwi maintain their autonomy, asserting that their unique histories, traditions, and cultural structures shouldn’t be subsumed under the Kīngitanga banner. Others, however, believe that the Kīngitanga represents a vital, unifying force for Māori.
These roles are far from ceremonial. The Kīngitanga continues to spearhead hui where political and Māori leaders gather to tackle critical issues facing Māori communities, such as the ongoing battle for tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), protection of whenua from corporate interests, healthcare inequities for Māori, and the fight against entrenched systemic racism that persists in New Zealand’s institutions.
A New Kuīni
With the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia, his daughter, Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō, has been named as the next successor to the Kīngitanga. As the second kuīni in history (following her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu), she has expressed a strong commitment to revitalising te reo Māori and Kapa Haka.
At just 27, she brings a youthful energy to the monarchy. A graduate of Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Tikanga Māori, her academic and cultural achievements stand as a testament to her dedication.
The University of Waikato has long been intertwined with the Kīngitanga and Waikato-Tainui. The campus sits on land that was originally settled by Ngāti Wairere and Ngāti Hauā, much of which was confiscated in 1864 by the colonial-settler government following the Waikato Land Wars. This action was later recognised as a serious breach of the Treaty of Waitangi, highlighting the complex and troubled history between the Indigenous peoples and colonial powers.
Having sat on numerous boards focused on the preservation of Māori culture, Kuīni Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō has already shown a deep commitment to uplifting the Māori people, especially its youth. Her tenure on the University Council not only deepened her understanding of the inner workings of a tertiary institution but also allowed her to maintain a significant presence in the student community.
Referred to by Māori leaders as a 'new dawn', she grew up with te reo Māori as her first language and has continued her involvement in Kapa Haka, even teaching it throughout her university years. Her youth signals a new perspective for the Kīngitanga, with her long potential reign offering ample opportunity to influence not only Māoridom but also the broader landscape of Aotearoa.
What makes a Māori monarch?
Although the line of succession isn’t strictly hereditary, every monarch since Kīngi Pōtatau Te Wherowhero has been a direct descendant. The selection of a successor is deeply rooted in tikanga, with a council known as Tekau-Maa-Rua – comprised of 12 elected advisors from iwi across the motu – entrusted with choosing the next leader. Their decision is based on the principles of unifying and uplifting the Māori people. Kuīni Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō’s previous actions demonstrate her commitment to these values, showcasing her potential to inspire the youth of Aotearoa to connect with Māori history and traditions.
While the Māori monarch holds no legal or judicial power, their symbolic role as a unifier of the Māori people is significant. The monarch is a figurehead for cultural pride and resilience, dedicating their life to the service of others. One key responsibility of the Kuīni will be engaging with Te Tiriti policy discussions, particularly as the current coalition government puts forward its proposals. Although not legally recognised by the Crown, the Kīngitanga continues to influence government policies by representing Māori interests diplomatically and challenging governmental authority when Māori rights are at stake.
Hopes and expectations
Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō’s ascension as the second youngest monarch to hold the Māori throne comes with high expectations for her dedication to the youth.
Robert Patman, a lecturer at the University of Otago, shared with the Otago Daily Times that he believes “under the new Kuīni, the Kīngitanga will strengthen, bringing the attention of the government to its commitment to the Pacific and also to championing the rights of Indigenous people all over.”
Josh Stewart, a postgraduate Māori Studies student, notes that the Kuīni’s accolades have already earned her significant respect. He adds, “Though it is hard to predict what her achievements or accomplishments may pan out to be, [her ascension] is a rallying point for iwi unity and consensus as a political unit, especially with the current political climate.”
The appointment of Ngā Wai-hono-i-te-pō has garnered comments from several political figures, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who remarked via Twitter: “We welcome the Upoko Ariki, Ngawai hono i te po [sic], who carries forward the mantle of leadership left by her father.” Similarly, NZ First MP Shane Jones said that her appointment as Kuīni is “more than a generational shift,” and that “she will be the face of renewal.”
Editor’s note: Now, please, if this is all news to you: Critic Te Ārohi loves our faithful readers, but go read a news source from outside of your own backyard.