New Zealand's 29-year-old Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, engaged in a "heartfelt" discussion with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Thursday during her official visit to the United Kingdom. This marked the first meeting between the British monarch and the Maori Queen since she ascended to the throne in 2024, following the death of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.
Discussions on Treaty of Waitangi and Bicentenary
According to a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga (the Maori monarchy), the conversations touched on the passing of the late Maori King and the future of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi. Signed in 1840 by over 500 Maori chiefs and the British Crown, the treaty is considered the cornerstone of Maori rights legislation in New Zealand. "Te Arikinui is focused on strong relationships between peoples as Aotearoa New Zealand approaches the 200-year anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 2040," the spokesperson stated. The two leaders also discussed plans to commemorate the bicentenary of the treaty.
Meeting with Prince William and Global Issues
Earlier this week, the Maori Queen met Prince William at Windsor Castle. In an Instagram post, the Prince of Wales described it as "a pleasure to meet with the Queen." A statement released after the meeting noted that they discussed global issues, including environmental challenges and Indigenous knowledge systems. "Te Arikinui affirmed her belief in the power of Indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world's environmental and social challenges," the statement said.
Historic Relationship with British Royal Family
Her visit to London continues a historic relationship between the Kiingitanga and the British royal family, a connection spanning generations. Before becoming Maori Queen, Te Arikinui travelled to London in 2022, meeting the then Prince Charles. During that trip, she spoke about carrying forward the legacy of her ancestors, including King Tawhiao, who travelled to England in the 1880s to seek an audience with Queen Victoria over concerns that the Treaty of Waitangi was not being upheld. Te Arikinui was crowned in 2024, becoming only the second Maori Queen in history, following her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Maori Monarchy and Its Role
The Maori monarchy was established in the 19th century when Maori tribes created a unifying leadership role to protect land, preserve Maori culture, and respond to British colonisation. While largely ceremonial and without legal authority, the Maori monarch holds significant influence as the paramount chief of several tribes. Te Arikinui is visiting London this week for the 50th anniversary celebrations of The King's Trust, a youth-focused organisation founded by King Charles in 1976 when he was Prince of Wales. She is accompanied by four young New Zealand entrepreneurs whose businesses have received support through The King's Trust Aotearoa New Zealand.
