Senior Māori students accompanied by Matua Anthony Keung and Kuia Aubrey Mason have witnessed history by attending the tangihanga proceedings of the Māori Kingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero in Ngāruawāhia.

The King who died last week will be remembered as a leader who brought people together from all political spectrums, races, and religions. He was seen as a unifying and calming presence who believed there is strength in unity.

Before he began his journey to his maunga Taupiri to be laid to rest, his only daughter and youngest child was named his successor to lead the Kingitanga Movement. Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Po Paki, is in her late twenties and has a Masters degree in Tikanga Maori from the University of Waikato.

This was a profound experience for our students who will remember and treasure it for the rest of their lives. It was a time of very mixed emotions for them, sadness at the King's passing, tremendous pride in their culture and gratitude for being there to witness history. They expressed their delight at the prospect of a young woman leading their people. Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Po Paki, will be an inspiration to this generation of young people as she continues her father's legacy and builds unity and a shared and positive vision for us all.