New Zealand: Maori queen gives first public speech

A year-long wait for New Zealand's Maori community ended on Friday after the queen delivered her first public address.

Nga Wai hono i te po Paki broke a traditional year-long mourning period, which she had been observing since the death of her father, King Tuheitia, in August 2024.

What did the Maori queen say?

The 28-year-old appeared emotional as she paid tribute to her father.

She announced two initiatives based on the late king's vision to help the Indigenous Maori tribe achieve economic independence.

"It's now 2025, we need to stop allowing external forces to hinder us. We need to walk a new path. We need a new direction," she said.

The Maori people make up 17% of New Zealand's total population.

Data indicated that they are more likely than other citizens in the nation to be unemployed and live in poverty.

Queen draws large crowds

Pacific royalty and chiefs were present during Nga Wai's first official speech. British King Charles III, New Zealand's head of state, did not attend the ceremony. 

Local media reported thousands of people attended the gathering at Turangawaewae Marae, the official residence of the Maori monarch.

Nga Wai was anointed as the Maori monarch on September 5, 2024, and became the second woman to ascend the throne.

Her grandmother Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu was the first Maori queen.

The king or queen's position is mainly ceremonial and does not enjoy legal powers. However, it plays a significant symbolic and cultural role in the community and also exerts national influence.

Edited by: Sean Sinico