February 26, 2024
King joins traditional Pacific leaders
The Māori king is in Fiji this week for a meeting of traditional Pacific leaders.
Fijian paramount chief Epenisa Seru Cakobau invited leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Hawai’i to the island of Bau to discuss their role in a world impacted by climate change, environmental degradation, economic development, and globalisation.
The meeting is a call for solidarity and collective action of traditional leaders as they prepare for the Pacific Traditional Leaders Forum and Pacific Festival of Arts in Hawai’i in June.
Kingitanga spokesperson Ngira Simmonds says Kingi Tuheitia shares the concerns of Pacific traditional leaders who are responsible for upholding the teachings of their ancestors and caring for current and future generations.
The king is also bearing the light and the mauri from last month’s hui-aa-motu at Turangawaewae
“On the evening of Hui-aa-Motu, Kiingi Tuheitia lit the flame of Kaapuri Ahi and invited Rangatira of te Iwi Maaori and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa to light four other fires representing the four wind,” Mr Simmonds says
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“The flame of unity burns brightly and will be shared in the korero with Pacific Leaders to show that we’re strong and prepared to lead the reawakening of Mana Motuhake.”