Updates from Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Including Koroneihana, Labour beaten by Te Pati Māori and New wave of young wahine Māori – Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po speech.
Koroneihana is the annual commemoration of the coronation of the Māori King or Queen, held at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia, Waikato.
It is the central gathering of the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement) and one of the most significant events on the Māori cultural and political calendar.
Key Points:
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Origins: The Kīngitanga movement was established in the 1850s to unify iwi, protect Māori land and sovereignty, and provide a collective leadership structure. The first Māori King, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, was crowned in 1858.
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What happens: Each year, thousands gather for several days of wānanga (learning), kōrero (speeches), kapa haka, pōwhiri, hākari (feasting), and political discussions. The event also includes hui with government officials, international dignitaries, and leaders from other indigenous nations.
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Purpose:
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To honour the reigning Māori monarch (currently King Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, crowned in 2006).
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To reaffirm unity among iwi and hapū.
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To address contemporary political, social, and cultural issues facing Māori.
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Symbolism: Beyond ceremony, Koroneihana is a living expression of Māori self-determination and the enduring role of the Kīngitanga as a unifying force.
Oriini Kaipara of Te Pāti Māori has secured a commanding victory in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, defeating Labour’s Peeni Henare by a substantial margin in a contest marked by low voter turnout and profound symbolism.
Election Results (Preliminary)
According to the Electoral Commission’s preliminary results:
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Oriini Kaipara (Te Pāti Māori): 6,031 votes
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Peeni Henare (Labour): 3,093 votes
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Other candidates, including Hannah Tamaki (Vision NZ), Sherry-Lee Matene (Independent), and Kelvyn Alp (New Zealand Loyal), collectively received fewer than 200 votes.
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Voter turnout stood at approximately 27.1% of the 44,269 enrolled voters—significantly lower than in previous by-elections such as Port Waikato (35.9%) and Hamilton West (31.4%).
Opting to speak directly to supporters, Kaipara performed a waiata and paid tribute to her predecessor, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, encapsulating the emotional tone of the campaign.
