The second anniversary of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po’s coronation starts today with Tainui waka acknowledging the passing of loved ones over the past twelve months in a kawe mate ceremony at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia.
This morning, descendants of Waikato iwi will carry a photo of their loved one on to the marae as part of a collective mourning and remembrance.
Tomorrow, iwi from around the country will do the same in a longstanding tradition of Koroneihana which takes place over several days.
On Friday, dignitaries from around the Pacific, and the rest of the world, will be welcomed in the morning ahead of the afternoon pōwhiri for parliamentarians.
On Saturday, Te Arikinui, the Māori Queen, will give her royal address. Last year, she spoke of continuing her father's legacy of kotahitanga, and she launched two economic initiatives: the Ōhanga ki te Ao Indigenous Economic Investment Summit, which was held in November 2025, and the Kotahitanga Fund.
Kapa haka performances will take place throughout the event, and a free concert on both Saturday and Sunday will be held at Paterson Park, Ngāruawāhia.
Remembering Kīngi Tuheitia
Last year, Te Arikinui hosted her first Koroneihana marking a year since the passing of her father, Kīngi Tuheitia Potatatu Te Wherowhero VII.
This year, she paid homage to the late king with a run on Sunday, the date of his death two years ago. She was joined by a group of close friends and whānau who ran from Tūrangawaewae Marae to Taupiri Maunga, the ancestral site where the king is buried.
A league tournament was also held in his honour on Sunday. League teams Tūrangawaewae and Taniwharau played for the inaugural Kīngi Tuheitia Memorial Trophy, while Ngāti Hauā and Rātana played for the Koroneihana Shield.
August 30 has become known as Te Rā Wairua o Kīngi Tuheitia – a day of remembrance for the king. For Tainui, it marks the start of a week-long event of commemorations and celebration in the lead up to Koroneihana.
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