Introduction:
The heart of Waikato, Turangawaewae marae, fell silent as the hearse carrying the mortal remains of Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, the seventh Māori King, departed its hallowed grounds.
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The journey, a poignant echo of his life’s work, was not one of mourning, but of celebration. A celebration of a life dedicated to kotahitanga, the unity of all peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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As the hearse made its way to the Waikato River, the air buzzed with the quiet hum of respect and remembrance. The river, a lifeline for generations of Māori, was to be the final stage of the King’s journey.
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Awaiting him was the waka Taatahi Ora, commissioned specifically for him, as well as a flotilla of other iwi waka. This is a testament to his legacy and the strength of his vision.
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Paddled by a crew of skilled navigators, the waka glided across the water, the rhythmic strokes of the paddles a heartbeat echoing the King’s unwavering commitment to unity.
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The 9km journey towards Taupiri maunga, a sacred mountain holding profound significance for Māori, was a symbolic return to the heart of his people.
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The life of Kiingi Tuheitia was a testament to the power of kotahitanga. He believed that the best thing one could be was Māori, all day, every day. This wasn’t a call for exclusivity, but a call for embracing one’s heritage, for understanding the richness of Māori culture and its place in the fabric of Aotearoa.
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He saw unity not as a forced assimilation, but as a tapestry woven with threads of different cultures, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the nation.
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His legacy is not just in the words he spoke, but in the actions he took. He championed the rights of Māori, advocating for their voice to be heard and their stories to be told. He bridged the gap between cultures, fostering understanding and respect, and creating a space where all could thrive.
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Conclusion:
As the waka reached Taupiri maunga, the King’s journey home was complete. His spirit, like the mountain itself, stands tall, a beacon of unity and hope for generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of kotahitanga, a reminder that the strength of Aotearoa lies in its diversity, and the true meaning of being Māori is to embrace the richness of our shared heritage.
Reference:
Nancy Swarbrick, ‘Waikato region – Te Kīngitanga, 1880 onwards’, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, [Image]. Retrieved September 5 2024 from: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/27167/king-tuheitia (accessed 5 September 2024)
