Waikato: The youngest child and only daughter of Kingi Tuheitia and his wife Makau Ariki Atawhai has been appointed as the new leader of the Kingitanga movement. Kuini (Queen) Nga Wai hono i te po Paki was anointed while her father lay in state beside her, reminiscent of his own coronation nearly 18 years ago at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, the hub of the Kingitanga Movement.
As a direct descendant of the first Maori King, Potatau Te Wherowhero, who was crowned in 1858, she becomes the eighth monarch to lead the movement. Her coronation comes just a few weeks before the anniversary of her father’s own crowning on August 21, 2006.
Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po Paki is only the second woman to take on this role, following her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who held the title for 40 years from 1966 to 2006. At the age of 27, she brings a youthful perspective to the leadership.
Her education includes time spent at Te Whare Kura o Rakaumanga in Huntly, where she earned a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship in 2016. She graduated from the University of Waikato, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and later a Master of Arts Degree with First Class Honours in 2022.
Born on January 13, 1997, the new monarch was just nine years old when her father ascended to the throne.