Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne.
A mighty Totora tree has fallen.
A few weeks have passed since the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the indigenous king of Aotearoa (New Zealand). His Majesty’s reign closed shortly after he brought the Pacific together, the first event of its kind on such a scale, in celebration of the 18th anniversary of his coronation. His last work as king united Pasifika royalty and its leading citizens to reflect, discuss, and forge a new era of fellowship, advancement and working cohesively for the betterment of their people. The rise of this profound unification, like a wave, will wash over and challenge the world’s underestimation of how impactful the Pacific’s mana (power) can be with a common goal.
Reflecting upon his reign, Kiingi Tuheitia continuously called for the rights of Māori to their lands, sea, mountains, but also the future of their people and culture in a modern world; the future of their uri (descendants). He expanded his desire for Kotahitanga (unity) beyond his shores to the greater Pacific, as reflected in his final days during his aforementioned gathering of Pasifika royalty. He was a man that wanted communities to band together for the greater good, across generations, races, cultures and backgrounds; something that many leaders can learn from.
In January, Kiingi Tuheitia called on Māori to stand together in the face of their right-wing governments policies. The new coalition’s actions aim to undermine, devalue, and erase Māori’s presence and influence in Aotearoa, Te Reo Māori and the affirmative action policies of previous governments to support the indigenous who face greater inequalities than their counterparts. In light of this, he called for nearly 10,000 Māori in a tribal meeting to discuss how to respond, calling for solutions and actions not just talk. He stated, "by turning up today, we've sent a strong message that has been heard around the world. People are watching us,". His words resonate deeply with the unashamed pride of belonging. “The best protest we can do right now is be Māori, be who we are, live our values, speak our reo (language), care for our mokopuna (younger generation), our awa (rivers), our maunga (mountains),” Tuheitia said. “Just be Māori, Māori all day, every day; we are here, we are strong,” he said.
His legacy and reign provide the opportunity for his youngest child to continue the works of her father and their tūpuna (ancestors). Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō was crowned Queen, the second youngest monarch and second queen of Māoridom. A chosen monarch, where tribal representatives from across the nation determine the successor. Her reign is one that has come at an important time, her youth, her energy, her passion for her people and representing their needs and desires will undoubtedly revitalise the community within Aotearoa. With her previous experience of visiting the then Prince of Wales in London, despite the painful past between the two monarchies, she has proven she will take this role beyond ceremonial, and I believe a new wave of the Māori movement will be led by their queen.
This is something that can be spread beyond Aotearoa. Kotahitanga (unification) is an underlying theme within the Pacific that takes many forms. Despite the moana that separates them, their unique cultures nevertheless share similarities, as do their families, their ways of life and morals, their histories and futures. With the new crowning of Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, there is great promise that the development, rights, and prosperity of the Islands will go from strength to strength.
What is needed is honest, true leaders. With political corruption tainting the Pacific, the introduction of a young, proud wahine toa (strong/brave female warrior) to not only challenge the past but forge the path ahead will benefit much more than solely Māori. Although Aotearoa will be her priority, like the wind, this inspiration will travel across the Islands, the diasporas and especially the younger generations to protect, promote, represent and grow the Pacific and its opportunities. Hopefully, they will inspire other nations too, as the world has so much to learn from the Pacific.
As a part of life and language in the Pacific, I will close with a proverb that sings true to the future of the Māori and Pasifika people.
Kua raranga tahi tātou he whāriki mō āpōpō.
Together we weave the mat for future generations.
Image: Wikimedia Commons/Hkeelan
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