The first day of Koroneihana 2025 has drawn thousands to Tūrangawaewae Marae, as the Kiingitanga movement marks a significant milestone the coronation of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
In a powerful pōwhiri lasting close to 40 minutes, iwi from across Tainui were welcomed onto the marae ātea with karanga, haka, and waiata echoing across the grounds. The new Māori Queen, flanked by her brother Korotangi, took her place on the paepae tapu.
Korotangi wore a newly completed mataora, a full-face tā moko representing whakapapa, mana, and his enduring commitment to the Kiingitanga. The day’s proceedings included kawe mate, where whānau brought the names and memories of loved ones who had passed in the last year, presenting them before the Queen in a solemn and heartfelt tribute.
As the morning mist lifted, the presence of Korotangi beside his sister was seen as a powerful symbol of whānau support and continuity. His mataora, adorned with ancestral patterns, drew quiet admiration from many in attendance. The coronation follows the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII in 2024.
At 28, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po becomes the eighth monarch and only the second woman to lead the movement, ushering in what many describe as a new era of unity and cultural revitalisation.
Later in the day, kapa haka performances from kura and iwi across Aotearoa will add vibrancy to the occasion, setting the tone for a week of reflection, celebration, and renewal.
Koroneihana 2025 continues through to Friday, with key events including the Queen’s first kauwhau, inter-iwi debates, and a showcase of Māori arts, politics, and leadership.
Ko ngā whakaahua katoa nā Te Tari o Te Kiingitanga
