Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future: Reflections on the Koroneihana and the Passing of Kīngi Tūheitia

Over the past few weeks, we have been privileged to witness and participate in two profound events that have deeply impacted Māoridom and the wider community. These events, held at Tūrangawaewae Marae, have not only been moments of historical significance but also reflections of our ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our role in supporting and engaging with kaupapa Māori.

The first event we attended was the celebrations at Tūrangawaewae Marae for Kīngi Tūheitia's koroneihana. Our preparations for this occasion were not merely logistical but a journey of reflection and discussion around the importance of the Kīngitanga and the place it holds within te ao Māori. As a team, we saw this as an opportunity to affirm our respect for this institution and its significance to Māori sovereignty and unity. For several staff members, this was their first time experiencing both the koroneihana and the atmosphere of Tūrangawaewae Marae. Their initial hesitations were quickly replaced by the warmth of the manaakitanga extended by the Kīngitanga, and it became a powerful moment of understanding.

Our attendance on Tuesday, 20th August, was a tangible expression of our commitment to Te Tiriti and our responsibility to support the cultural events that invite us to engage more deeply with our bicultural partnership. This was not just about showing up but about participating in and honouring the traditions and leadership of the Māori people. Through this experience, we encourage our staff and tangata whaiora to take up these opportunities when they arise, as they are essential in building relationships, fostering understanding, and affirming our mutual commitment to supporting the Māori worldview.

Yet, just a week later, the mood shifted dramatically as the news of Kīngi Tūheitia’s unexpected passing on Friday, 30th August, sent shockwaves through the nation. The tangihanga that followed saw thousands descending once again onto Tūrangawaewae Marae to pay their respects and mourn the loss of a leader who had guided the Kīngitanga for years. The emotional weight of the event was significant, not only for those in attendance but for many across the country.

In the days that followed, the ceremony marking the succession of Kīngi Tūheitia’s daughter, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, as the new monarch of the Kīngitanga added a new layer of meaning to this time of mourning and transition. Her ascension is a symbol of continuity, strength, and hope, not just for Māori but for the entire nation as we move forward together.

These events bring us to a crucial reflection: How do we continue to strengthen our commitment to movements like the Kīngitanga? What is the importance of engaging with such kaupapa, and how do we, as a mission, uphold our commitment to Faith and Te Tiriti in meaningful ways? These are questions we must continue to ask ourselves as we strive to live out our values in action, not just in word.

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