Koroneihana: Celebration and more ‘eye to eye conversations’ Kiingitanga says

Thursday, 15 August 2024

Koroneihana is expected to bring the crowds, the festivities and more “eye to eye conversations” when political leaders flock to Waikato in coming days.

In what has been a politically charged year between Māori and the Government, Tūrangawaewae marae in Ngāruawāhia would be the venue to put Māori issues on the agenda during the week long celebration of the coronation of the Māori monarch.

The score card was a “bit dismal” at the moment, Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said when it came to the Government’s track record of listening and responding to the concerns of te iwi Māori.

“Koroneihana this year will be based on kōtahitanga (unity) and mana motuhake (self-determination) and part of that is to have those discussions directly with the Crown.”

The Kiingitanga had always been about championing the cause of te iwi Māori Papa says.

Whether a Government that was “hell-bent on eradicating legislation just because it has a Māori focus”, wants to hop on board or sit on the side was irrelevant.

“We have a principle of eye to eye sort of discussions and we will maintain that,” Papa says.

“That’s the key part of Koroneihana - is to actually have those conversations, if we’re not telling [the crown] our displeasures and the good things that are happening then who will?”

The recent National Iwi Chairs Forum saw tensions in the open for some Māori leaders, a reflection of an intense yearfor the coalition Government who had similar treatment at other events including Waitangi day commemorations and Rātana.

The Prime Minister’s office could not confirm the PM’s movements until closer to the time but says there will be government representation at the event.

A series of national hui or Hui-a-motu have also been taking place across the country with te iwi Māori laying down their concerns. The third hui approaching in Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) is set to be hosted by Ngāi Tahu, and would be the final instalment.

“We are challenging where we need to challenge and we are collaborating where we need to collaborate,” Papa says.

“It is about collaborating but also having the right to fight and the right to challenge when we need to challenge and there is a lot to challenge, but there are a few glimmers of hope in the collaboration space as well.”

Koroneihana takes place August 15 - August 21.

Koroneihana will host a mixture of festivities from Kapa Haka to evening events, marae aerobics and Te Raa Koroneihana when the Māori King Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII delivers his formal address.

Koroneihana has been taking place since the 1800s during the rein of the second Māori King, King Tāwhiao (Tūkāroto Pōtatau Matutaera Tāwhiao).