A special invitation from the Kiingitanga and the late Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII was extended to the Pasifika community to attend a special pōwhiri during the Kiingitanga’s annual Koroneihana celebrations last month.
Hundreds of Pasifika people from across the motu descended upon Turangawaewae Marae to show their support for not only tangata whenua, but also to solidify the close bond that the Kiingitanga and the royal houses of the Pacific have maintained for a long time.
Described by one community leader as a historic event for Pasifika peoples, it brought together representatives from Niue, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Members of the judiciary and royal houses of the Pacific were all present to be part of the Koroneihana and to witness the mana and tradition of the Kiingitanga.
This facet of the week-long annual Koroneihana celebrations to mark the 18th year of his reign was among the last formal duties for the 69-year-old monarch before his passing just days later.
As such it will be remembered as a poignant moment for those of us fortunate to attend what would be the last Koroneihana of Kiingi Tūheitia.
Leading the special event was Council of Chiefs Chairperson for the Pacific General Assembly, Aupito William Sio. He said he wanted Pasifika to feel confident in the commitment to support Māori and to feel confident about their stand on Kotahitanga and Mana motuhake.
“You know, as I’ve said, governments come and go, but we the people remain. The challenges that we face as a community aren’t going to change … and I want them to feel confident that, while the coalition (government) is only there for three years, our commitment to Māori is eternal, everlasting.”
Also in attendance was Paramount Chief from the Takitimu district from the Cook Islands, Pa Ariki. Pa Ariki who has attended many Koroneihana from coronations during the time of the late Māori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu says, it was special to be part of the pōwhiri.
“I’m proud to be among Pacifika because I’m Pacifika too, it’s good that we are able to go together.”
Labour MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene said it was a spiritual feeling, welcoming Pasifika people onto the Marae.
“We need to stand with tangata whenua. We have many connections, over 25 percent of our whānau of our tamariki are now from both villages. So Māori whanau, Pacifica whānau it’s about working together for the betterment of New Zealand of Aotearoa,: she says.
Chair of the Solomon Islands Auckland Wantok Association Florina Dausabea said while the Melanesian community is small in numbers in Aotearoa, it was important that they were represented at the powhiri.
“… to be part of the contingent that is part of the Pacific communities, our big brothers like Tonga and Samoa, Cook islands and Kiribati and Niue and all the others who are here in New Zealand.”
Kiīngitanga Kaikorero (lead speaker) Rahui Papa said the pōwhiri held significant meaning.
“I loved seeing every island in their cultural dress with the cultural songs. I just think that the ‘culturality’ of today is something that is not lost on the Kīngitanga… was just absolutely wonderful and just so thankful in my heart of hearts for all of our cousins of the Pacific that were sitting together, talking together and now breaking bread together.”
Chair for Te Arataura Waikato-Tainui Tukoroirangi Morgan spoke of the pōwhiri as a reminder we are all from the Pacific.
“We come from the same bloodlines, we are family. And even though we are separated by the Pacific Ocean, we are one. And essentially that, that’s the sense of and the importance of the day. One family coming together, enjoying each other’s culture, enjoying each other’s
time and being one in the wairua of the celebration of 18 years of the King’s reign here at Turangawaewae.”
Ia manuia lou malaga Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
