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The Māori Queen has stepped into her new role as the head of the Kīngitanga by attending the 109th Poukai at Whatawhata, located at the Te Papa o Rotu marae near Hamilton.
This year’s Poukai, which began in 1916 during King Te Rata’s reign, aims to provide shelter for orphans, widows, and the community in need.
A large gathering of Kīngitanga supporters joined Queen Nga wai hono i te po and her people from Ngāti Mahanga for her first appearance as Arikinui.
Approximately 300 people attended the event, where Kīngi Tūheitia was honored for his 18 years of dedicated service to the Māori nation by Ngāti Mahanga and the Kīngitanga.
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