In a heartfelt and powerful address during the annual Koroneihana celebrations, Kīngi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII called for renewed unity among Māori and the wider community, urging a collective focus on kotahitanga (togetherness) in the face of growing political and social challenges. The event, hosted at Tūrangawaewae Marae, also featured a significant show of support from 300 leaders representing nations across the Pacific, demonstrating a strong bond of solidarity with tangata whenua.
working together and embracing kotahitanga
Kīngi Tuheitia's address centered on the importance of Māori working together and embracing kotahitanga rather than engaging in conflicts with the Government. He emphasised the need to focus on building a shared future through mana motuhake (self-determination) that is inclusive of everyone. The gathering at Tūrangawaewae Marae was further highlighted by the presence of Pacific leaders, who paid tribute to the Māori King and underscored the unity between Pacific peoples and Māori. This powerful demonstration of solidarity reaffirmed the deep connections and shared heritage among these communities.
Pacific presence at the Koroneihana celebrations serves as a testament to the shared struggles and aspirations between Māori and other Pacific communities,
Kīngi Tuheitia’s message of unity comes at a crucial time. With ongoing political tensions and policies affecting Māori, his call for kotahitanga is a reminder that collective strength and cooperation are essential to navigating these challenges. By advocating for a people-led conversation on the future of Aotearoa under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, he is encouraging a shift away from government-led agendas that often prioritise political gains over long-term solutions. The strong Pacific presence at the Koroneihana celebrations serves as a testament to the shared struggles and aspirations between Māori and other Pacific communities, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity and mutual support.
What’s Next
The path forward lies in embracing and strengthening kotahitanga within the Māori community and across the Pacific. Kīngi Tuheitia’s call for a non-political group to lead discussions on the nation’s future under Te Tiriti o Waitangi suggests a move towards more inclusive and community-driven approaches to addressing national issues. The upcoming hui ā-motu, set to be hosted by Ngāi Tahu in Christchurch this October, will be a critical moment for continuing this dialogue and fostering unity across all regions of Aotearoa. As the Māori King emphasised, the focus now is on collective action—supporting one another, growing together, and building a future that honors the values and heritage that bind the peoples of the Pacific and Aotearoa together.
In closing, Kīngi Tuheitia’s message resonates deeply: “Growing together is crucial. We’ve come a long way as a country, and we can go even further—let’s not give up now!” His words serve as a guiding light for the journey ahead, reminding all that the wind in their sails is kotahitanga, and with it, they will reach their destination.
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