Thousands of mourners gathered in Ng?ruaw?hia, New Zealand, as they paid their final respects to the late M?ori king, T?heitia P?tatau Te Wherowhero VII, who passed away six days prior. The town was filled with people dressed in mourning black with symbolic adornments such as ferns, kawakawa leaves, and traditional carvings. The new M?ori queen, Ng? wai hono i te po, aged 27, succeeded her father in a historic ceremony at the T?rangawaewae marae.
The solemn occasion saw the late king transported along the Waikato River in a procession of traditional canoes, guided by M?ori warriors, to his final resting place. The weeklong funeral rites honored K?ngi T?heitia, known for uniting Indigenous people amidst a more politically divisive climate. His daughter’s ascent symbolizes a new era of M?ori leadership, emphasizing the revival of the M?ori language and culture.
T?heitia’s unexpected passing at 69, following heart surgery, marked the end of his 18-year reign. The K?ngitanga movement, which aims to preserve M?ori heritage, holds a ceremonial role in New Zealand, distinct from its British monarchy. The late king, often described as modest, called for unity among M?ori in response to policies undermining Indigenous recognition.
His funeral drew a diverse crowd, including political figures and ordinary citizens who conversed in M?ori, a language revitalized in recent decades. Ng? wai hono i te po, well-versed in M?ori customs and traditions, represents a younger generation embracing their cultural identity. The queen’s anointment signifies a rejuvenation of M?ori values amid contemporary challenges.
At the burial ceremony atop Taupiri Maunga, T?heitia’s daughter led mourners in honoring his legacy, underscoring the importance of unity as New Zealand faces contentious issues concerning M?ori rights. The procession, marked by traditional chants and rituals, highlighted the cultural renaissance embodied by the new queen and the growing M?ori population under 40 years old.
Nine-year-old Awa Tukiri, among the many young attendees, expressed admiration for the ceremonial rituals and the sense of community fostered by speaking M?ori. The funeral event served as a poignant tribute to a humble leader whose advocacy for M?ori values and language continues to resonate across New Zealand.
