London: New Zealand’s Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po, has met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, marking her first official audience with the monarch since ascending to the throne in 2024 following the death of her father, Kiingi Tuheitia.
The meeting highlights the long-standing relationship between the British Crown and the indigenous Māori people, a connection shaped over nearly two centuries and formalised through the Treaty of Waitangi, one of New Zealand’s foundational constitutional documents.
According to a spokesperson for the Kīngitanga, the discussion was described as ‘heartfelt,’ with both leaders reflecting on the passing of the former Māori King and exploring ways to further strengthen ties between their institutions.
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Earlier in the week, the Māori Queen was also received by Prince William at Windsor Castle. In a post on social media, the Prince described the meeting as a pleasure, while a statement from the Kīngitanga noted discussions on global issues and the importance of indigenous knowledge systems.
The statement added that Te Arikinui emphasised intergenerational stewardship and the role of indigenous wisdom in addressing environmental and social challenges worldwide. Te Arikinui was crowned in 2024, becoming only the second Māori Queen in history, following her grandmother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
The Māori monarchy, established in the 19th century, was created by Māori tribes as a unifying institution aimed at preserving land rights and cultural identity during the period of British colonisation. Today, the role remains largely ceremonial but continues to hold deep cultural significance within Māori society.
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