Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has joined other Oceania traditional leaders in signing the Tuurama Ariki Declaration in Honolulu, during the Pacific Festival of Arts.
Signatories to the declaration have committed to using their ancestral knowledge for the betterment of future generations and to advocate on issues impacting the region and planet.
Kiingi Tuheitia proposed the name of the Declaration, with Tuurama referring to the wisdom of ancestors guiding the journey ahead.
Kiingitanga Spokesman Ngira Simmonds says Kiingi Tuheitia shares the concerns of Osiania Traditional Leaders who are responsible for upholding the teachings of their ancestors and caring for current and future generations.
Mr Simmonds says the Kaupapa will be underpinned by Kotahitanga (unity) and mana Motuhake (self determination).
“Indigenous people everywhere are ready and willing to bring solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Now is the time to listen and harness that knowledge for the benefit of our people and planet.”
