Tuesday 22 April 2025 Whakatū, Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui — The eight iwi of Te Tauihu — Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui — will unite to host Te Arikinui Kuiini Nga wai hono i te po at Whakatū Marae on Saturday 17 May 2025.

The kaupapa, He Ara Whanaunga, is both a reflection and a reset — honouring the late Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, as we receive his kawe mate and reaffirm the shared whakapapa and commitment between Te Tauihu and the Kiingitanga.

A delegation consisting of Te Tauihu Members, attended the Ngaa Tai E Rua Poukai in Tuakau on Sunday last. Their presence was to honour the kaupapa of the Poukai and to formally request a visit to Te Tauihu. The delegation was led by esteemed Te Tauihu kaumātua, Rore Stafford. Tainui Waka leaders, speaking on behalf of the Māori Queen, humbly accepted the invitation, expressing a sincere desire to reaffirm whakapapa connections.

It is the first official visit to Te Tauihu by a Māori monarch since Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu opened Mauriora wharekai in 2005. This return marks an important continuation of the relationship between Te Tauihu and the Kiingitanga.

The day will include a formal pōwhiri, whakangahau kapa haka, kai hākari, and the gifting of a kauae paraoa (whale jawbone) — a taonga held in trust by the eight iwi, symbolising the whakapapa ties between Te Tauihu and past and present Arikinui.

A strong turnout is being anticipated, including iwi delegates, dignitaries, and whānau from across Aotearoa. He Ara Whanaunga is being led by Tainui Waka iwi, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, on behalf of all eight iwi of Te Tauihu.

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