WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A new Maori queen was anointed Thursday, taking on the role at the time. New Zealand Facing some of the biggest challenges for gender relations in two decades.
A statement released by representatives said Nga Wai Hono i te Po was chosen by Maori elders to replace his father, King Tuhetia Putatau Te Wharohero VII. Died at the age of 69 Last week after surgery.
“The new king was raised in a ceremony known as te whakawahinga in front of thousands of people gathered for Kiingi Tuhetia’s tangihanga (funeral and burial),” said a spokesman for the Kiingitanga, or royal family.
The new queen was not crowned and instead the Bible used since 1858 was placed on her head and Archbishop Don Tamiher applied holy oil on her to bestow dignity, sanctity, strength and spiritual essence.
Thousands of people gathered at Turangawewe, the rallying point of the King movement, to see him off in a traditional funeral.
After his daughter’s anointing, the king’s coffin was carried up the Waikato River in a flotilla of traditional Maori waka, or canoes, before being carried up Mount Taupiri, where he was to be buried alongside other royals and high-profile Maori.
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