Māori Queen Envisions Future of Rauora in Powerful Second Koroneihana Address

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has delivered a powerful call for Māori to shift their trajectory from the legacy of Raupatu (trauma and colonisation) toward a future defined by Rauora (wellbeing and revival). Speaking at Tūrangawaewae Marae on 5 September 2026, the Queen marked her second Koroneihana since the passing of her father, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero te tuawhitu. As reported by RNZ and the NZ Herald, the monarch emphasized that while Raupatu is part of the story, it must not be the limit of Māori potential. In her kauwhau delivered in te reo Māori, the Queen described Rauora as a vision where tamariki are secure in their reo and whakapapa, and Māori leaders drive innovation in science and technology. She acknowledged her father’s work in protecting the mauri of kotahitanga, noting that unity allows for disagreement without division. She urged her people to build their own foundations through language and health rather than believing their future sits entirely in the hands of the Government. The impact of this leadership was palpable among the thousands gathered. Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa emphasized that rangatahi are the leaders of today, a sentiment echoed by youth who traveled from across Aotearoa. Layla Houpapa, 18, from Waitara, noted that seeing a young Māori woman lead the Kiingitanga shows rangatahi what is possible. Similarly, Janay Harding, who has whakapapa to Waikato-Tainui and Ngāpuhi, described the Queen as a trailblazer whose grace reflects high-level roles back to the new generation. Students from Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi at Auckland Girls Grammar School expressed deep admiration for the Queen, describing her as an inspiration for the entire group. For those like Harding, who grew up in Australia, the immersion at Tūrangawaewae was vital for reclaiming te reo Māori and connecting with heritage. The Queen’s address served as a definitive call to action, urging the next generation to be courageous and capable of transforming the burdens of history into the triumphs of tomorrow. As the Kiingitanga movement evolves, these young voices signal a strong, united backing for the Queen’s vision of collective prosperity.