The people of Tainui Waka and Iwi across the motu are preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of the Koroneihana of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po (Te Arikinui) at Turangawaewae Marae next week.
Te Arikinui was crowned the Maaori monarch after the death of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII one year ago, and she has been in a state of mourning since then.
Kiingitanga spokesperson, Rukumoana Schaafhausen, said there is great anticipation and excitement about the Koroneihana celebrations for Te Arikinui who is the eighth monarch since the establishment of the Kiingitanga movement in 1858. She said: “Te Arikinui will celebrate the life and legacy of her late father and reaffirm his vision of Kotahitanga. Guided by the values inherited from her parents and her tuupuna, Te Arikinui is acutely aware of the challenges facing te iwi Maaori in a rapidly changing world. “Empowering rangatahi, strengthening whaanau resilience, and upholding Mana Motuhake are important aspirations for Te Arikinui.” As is custom, the first two days of Koroneihana will be dedicated to remembering loved ones who have died in the past year – ngaa kawe mate o Tainui waka and ngaa kawe mate o te motu. Day three – Thursday 4 September 2025 – will acknowledge the historical and enduring whanaungatanga connections between Kiingitanga and the Pacific nations. Pacific leaders attending Koroneihana include:
HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, Tonga Kaumaiti Nui Travel Tou Ariki, High Chief and President of the House of Ariki, Cook Islands HRH Ariki Teriihinoiatua Pomare, Tahiti HRH Prince Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa and HRH Prince Riley Kawananakoa, Hawaii Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Tui Lau – Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara – Paramount Chief and traditional leader,
Province of Lau, Fiji. Government and political party leaders will also be among those attending on day three. Day four – Friday 5 September 2025 – is Te Raa Koroneihana o Te Arikinui, the anniversary of her rising up one year ago. Te Arikinui will deliver her kauwhau (address) to the motu – her first as Te Arikinui – at 12.30pm. Further Koroneihana highlights include:
The arrival of Te Ara Maurei, the jawbone of a bull sperm whale which died and was washed ashore in 2016. Originally intended as a gift for the late Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu from the eight iwi of Te Tauihu, the kauae was gifted to Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po earlier this year. It has resided in Nelson since then to await the Koroneihana.
The formal handing over of the mauri of Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival from Te Kaahui Maunga to Waikato who will host the next festival in 2027.Each afternoon session of Koroneihana will feature kapa haka performances from groups representing other iwi and Tainui waka, and entertainment. A free outdoor concert on Saturday 6 September 2025 will close out Koroneihana celebrations.
PHOTO supplied by The Office of the Kiingitanga
Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, Turongo House, Turangawaewae Marae
