Introduction:
The passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu is a significant loss for Aotearoa New Zealand. His reign was marked by a dedication to cultural preservation, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. My whakapapa connection to the Kiingitanga spans 164 years, however my initial engagement with the Kiingitanga began when I was with my cousins on one of the waka taua; Te Ao Marama that escorted Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu to Taupiri maunga in 2006.
I recall a favorite personal encounter that highlighted the King’s vision and its influence on my life.
International Māori Cultural Centre:
In 2017, I was part of group of delegates that traveled to England, Spain and France to engage with members of the European Union. The purpose was for the possibility of establishing an International Māori Cultural Center in Europe.
Buckingham Palace, London photo/ supplied
The notion was to introduce Europe to Māori culture, and establish tourism and trade opportunities.
Copying the Beatles zebra crossing at Abbey Lane-London photo /supplied
Beatles crossing Abbey lane in London- photo / BBC News
Our efforts to initiate such a vehicle was successful, and an International Māori cultural Cente was established in Brussels, Belgium.
Barcelona Spain Photo/ supplied
However, upon returning to New Zealand, we faced a major obstacle: the organization that we represented was unable to fund the center’s ongoing operations.
Return to Europe:
Upon hearing this, colleagues and I flew back to Europe to meet with members of the European Union again in Spain and in France to discuss possibilities moving forward.
Perpignon France: photo / supplied
It was during this meeting with the European Union that the possibility of approaching another organisation who could be interested was brought up. This is where Kiingi Tuheitia’s name was suggested by members of the European Union. I pulled the one trick Māori are known for when asked if they know another famous Māori. I said, yeah I know him. “He’s my cousin”.
Meeting Kiingi Tuheitia:
Determined to secure the center’s future, I flew back to Aotearoa New Zealand and sought an audience with Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu. In our hui I explained our situation to him, and set up a zoom meeting between him and members of the European Union. I was hoping that the International Māori Cultural Centre might be something he may be interested in, to keep the center alive.
While the King ultimately decided not to take ownership of the center, our conversation opened a new door.
Kiingitanga Academic Panel:
I was invited to establish the Kingitanga Academic Panel, a group of Māori academic scholars dedicated to research and advocacy on behalf of the King.
Kiingitanga Academic Panel photo / supplied
I was honored to assemble a group of Māori academics who have been colleagues of mine for nearly 25 years, and who are at doctorate degree level. We began working on various research projects under the King’s guidance.
Those projects included:
1. Collins Road Project signing an MOU Kawenata with Corrections to establish a unit for Wāhine Māori with babies who have been incarcerated. Our team developed the curriculum.
2. Support a Waikato Tainui registered member of the tribe who spent nearly 34 years incarcerated. My role was to help him adjust in his community, and support to negate any potential issues.
Hamilton Mosque photo / supplied
3. In the wake of the tragic March 15, 2019, terrorist attack on the Muslim community in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Kiingitanga, Academic Panel partnered with the Waikato Muslim Association and their Chairman Dr Asad Moshin to organize a research symposium titled “Waikato Community Inclusivity Symposium. “
Dr Asad, Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate & KAP photo / supplied
This symposium aimed to achieve two key objectives:
1. Understanding the Community’s Experiences: The event provided a platform for members of the Muslim community to share their firsthand experiences of the attack, its aftermath, and the ongoing challenges they faced.
Waikato Community Inclusivity Symposium: photo/ supplied
By listening to their stories, the symposium sought to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and perspectives.
KAP @ Hamilton Mosque photo / supplied
2. Promoting Interfaith Understanding: The symposium aimed to bridge the gap between different faith communities, fostering dialogue and empathy.
LDS Interfaith Devotional with Muslim Community & KAP 2019 -photo / supplied
It brought together individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations about shared values, common experiences, and the importance of building a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Dr Asad Moshin & KAP at the Kings Office photo/ supplied
By engaging in this collaborative effort, the Kiingitanga Academic Panel and the Waikato Muslim Association demonstrated their commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and healing in the wake of a devastating act of violence.
The King’s Speech:
My most endearing memory of Kiingi Tuheitia is tied to a pivotal moment in may of 2019. I had the privilege of drafting the speech Kiingi Tuheitia delivered to Pope Francis during his visit to Rome.
Pope Francis & Kiingi Tuuheitia photo / RNZ
The King’s message, delivered with grace and conviction, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and the shared values that unite humanity, inviting Pope Francis to New Zealand and Turangawaewae marae.
Kiingi Tuuheitia’s Legacy:
Kiingi Tuheitia’s legacy extends far beyond these personal anecdotes. He was a tireless advocate for Māori rights and a champion of cultural preservation. He spearheaded initiatives to revitalize the Māori language, promote traditional knowledge, and address social injustices faced by his people.
Conclusion:
His passing is a profound loss, but his spirit of collaboration, his commitment to justice, and his unwavering dedication to his people will continue to inspire us all. As we mourn his loss, let us remember his words and his actions, and his last call for kotahitanga or unity to build a future that reflects his vision of a just and equitable society for all.
“Moe moe raa e te Kiingi.
Kua hinga te Tootara,
kua ngaaro te Rangatira
Ki roto ngaa hupe, me ngaa roimata,
Kia hora te marino
Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana
Kia tere too karohirohi, i mua i too huarahi
I te rangi nei
aroha atu, aroha mai
taatou i a taatou katoa
haumie, hui e tai i ki e
Reference:
BBC News. ( 8 August 2019). The Scot who took The Beatles’ Abbey Road photo. [Image] Retrieved September 10 2024 from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-49276461.amp
RNZ. (27 May 2019). Papal audience: Māori King invites Pope Francis to New Zealand. [Image]. Retrieved 30/08/2024 from: https://amp.rnz.co.nz/article/d6fcbdb6-18b9-45f0-ade9-1db862388cab
