Koroneihana: ‘We need to focus on getting in the waka and working together’

Kingi Tuheitia gives his annual address at Koroneihana 2024. Photo / Kiingitanga
Kiingi Tūheitia has once again urged unity in his annual Koroneihana address from Tūrangawaewae.
The Māori king encouraged a collective focus on the future, highlighting the importance of kotahitanga (unity) among Māori and the wider community.
“Our kotahitanga shouldn’t be focused on fighting against the Government. Instead, we need to focus on getting in the waka and working together. Mana motuhake has room for everyone!”
He began by acknowledging key figures and groups, including King Tupou, Queen Nanasi, Pomare Ariki, and Ratu Tevita, as well as various iwi such as those from Ratana, Te Tai Tokerau and Ngāti Kahungunu.
👑✨ 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝐾𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑖ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑎 𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝙆𝙞𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞 𝙏𝙪𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖 𝙋𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙪 𝙏𝙚 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙑𝙡𝙡 ✨👑 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑡 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑒𝑤𝑎𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑡 8:30𝑎𝑚 e hoa maa.

We wish one and all a very joyous and happy 18th Koroneihana Day!

Purea te hau o te 𝙠𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖, kia rongo te kiri tangata i te maiangi o te Mana Motuhake.

Pictured (L-R)Back row: Tumuaki Manuao Tamou, Te Puhi Ariki, Heeni Paki, Rangimarie Tamou. Front row: HRH Prince Pomare, HM Queen Nanasipau’u, HM King Tupou VI, HM Kiingi Tuheitia, Makau Ariki Atawhai, Tepora Ariki, Kaumaiti Nui Tou Ariki.
He also noted the significance of recent visits to places like Rātana, Waitangi, as well as Hui Taumata at Ōmahu Marae, and looked forward to engaging with Ngāi Tahu in October, calling for continued work towards kotahitanga.
“In the last nine months, we’ve travelled a lot – across the motu and around the world. Our culture is what makes Aotearoa special – our reo, our tikanga. When we travel overseas, we are respected and valued, but at home, things can feel different.
“Tikanga Māori should be at the forefront of being a New Zealander,” he said, speaking to the recent and prominent featuring of Māori culture at the Paris Olympics.
Looking to the future, Tūheitia expressed a desire for less conflict between Māori and the Government. He advocated for a non-political group to discuss the future under te Tiriti o Waitangi, stating, “I don’t want politicians to lead the conversation about nationhood.”
He called for a return to tikanga in addressing significant national issues, urging Wellington to listen to the people more frequently.
“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! Te Tiriti o Waitangi is between Māori and the Crown – mana to mana. The Treaty provides a foundation for us all to work together. Let’s not change it; that would harm us.”
“Whakarongo mai – are you listening, Wellington? There is a better way.”
In closing, Tūheitia highlighted the importance of listening, supporting each other, and embracing unity from all corners. He reassured the whānau working hard across the country, affirming, “I see you, and I hear you.”