Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā wai hono i te pō has taken the global stage for the first time, delivering a powerful keynote address to more than 1,800 international leaders in Toronto.
Speaking at the 9th annual First Nations Major Projects Coalition conference, the Māori Queen called for stronger Indigenous leadership in shaping investment, governance and environmental outcomes, placing Indigenous knowledge at the centre of global decision-making.
The conference theme, focused on the next seven generations, aligned closely with the message delivered by Te Arikinui, emphasising long-term thinking and the responsibility of current leaders to future generations.
Her address highlighted the history and enduring legacy of the Kiingitanga movement, tracing its origins back to 1858 when Kiingi Pōtatau Te Wherowhero was crowned to unify Māori during a time of adversity.
Drawing on that legacy, Te Arikinui spoke about the importance of intergenerational leadership, Crown–Indigenous relationships and nation-building in an evolving political landscape.
She also reflected on the wisdom of past Māori leaders, including Kiingi Tāwhiao, reinforcing the idea that the past must guide the future, particularly as Indigenous communities navigate modern challenges.
A key focus of her speech was the growing pressure on the natural environment, with climate change and resource use continuing to disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Te Arikinui positioned Indigenous knowledge systems and long-term thinking as critical tools in addressing these global challenges, offering a pathway toward more sustainable and equitable outcomes.
Her message also pointed to the future, referencing initiatives such as the Kotahitanga Fund, an iwi-led investment platform aimed at strengthening Māori economic independence and supporting intergenerational prosperity.
Further initiatives, including Kohinga Koha and Taiao Wānanga, are expected to build on that vision, bringing together economic growth and environmental stewardship across Aotearoa.
Delegates responded strongly to the address, particularly the call for a new generation of Indigenous leadership to take up the mantle and set standards for how opportunities are assessed and resources are allocated.
The speech marks a significant moment for the Kiingitanga on the international stage, reinforcing its role in global Indigenous conversations and the push for a future shaped by ancestral knowledge and collective responsibility.
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