King Tupou VI attended the Koroneihana celebrations at Tūrangawaewae Marae, where over 300 Pacific leaders gathered to honour Kiingi Tuuheitia’s 18th anniversary of ascending the throne. The event, rich in cultural displays and traditional gifts, symbolised the unity between Pacific nations and the Māori people of Aotearoa.
King Tupou VI was seated alongside Kiingi Tuuheitia as delegates from eleven Pacific nations presented gifts and expressed their support for the Kotahitanga movement, initiated by Kiingi Tuuheitia earlier this year. The celebrations were marked by vibrant performances, including Tongan choirs and Cook Islands dances, demonstrating the deep cultural connections across the Pacific.
Teleiai Edwin Puni, chairman of the Pacific Leadership Forum (PLF), emphasized the significance of this historic occasion, noting that it was the first time Pacific leaders were formally invited to Tūrangawaewae by Kiingi Tuuheitia. “This is huge for Pacific people,” Puni said. “When we have successful relationships, other successes will follow, and harmony will be part of this coming together.”
One of the most notable gifts was a 50ft ngatu launima tapa cloth , presented by the Tongan delegation, symbolising the strong ties between Tonga and the Māori King. Pakilau Manase Lua, a Tongan leader, highlighted the importance of this gesture, stating, “We are here to show solidarity with our tangata whenua cousins.”
The event highlighted the unity and shared future of the Pacific and Māori communities, with young leaders like Aigagalefili Fepuleai-Tapuai, an award-winning poet and youth advocate, recognising the significance of the occasion for future generations. “Today marks a monumental relationship,” she said, emphasising the intertwined destinies of the Pacific and Māori peoples.
