Kuīni Ngawai hono i te po marks two-year anniversary and economic progress at Koroneihana

NGĀRUAWĀHIA — Thousands of people from across Aotearoa and the globe have gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae this week for Koroneihana, the four-day celebration marking the second anniversary of the coronation of Kuīni Ngawai hono i te po. As reported by Liam Rātana for The Spinoff, the event began with hapū and iwi from Tainui waka honoring their loved ones, followed by delegations from iwi across the country. Since ascending the throne in August 2024 following the passing of her father, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori Queen has established a clear direction for the Kīngitanga movement with a strong focus on economic prosperity. A significant milestone of her reign was the launch of a $100 million iwi-backed sovereign wealth fund during the Ōhanga ki te Ao economic summit in November 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support the Māori economy, which is currently valued at approximately $126 billion. During her maiden speech as monarch, Kuīni Ngawai hono i te po emphasized that the summit was an opportunity to achieve economic aspirations independently of the government in pursuit of self-determination and thriving communities. She stated that every opportunity must deliver real outcomes and solid returns to grow wealth for future generations. Beyond economic development, the Queen has continued her father’s legacy of kōtahitanga and Indigenous cooperation. Her recent international engagements include meeting with the Ui Ariki and government officials in Rarotonga, speaking at a major projects coalition conference in Canada, and becoming the first Māori monarch to meet a British royal at Windsor Castle during a visit to the United Kingdom in May. The Koroneihana festivities will conclude with a much-anticipated national address from the Queen on Saturday.