Thousands gather in Ngāruawāhia to pay final respects to New Zealand's Māori king, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died recently. His daughter ascends to the throne as the new queen, marking a new era of Māori leadership in New Zealand.
Key Points
Thousands gather to pay respects to King Tūheitia
Daughter ascends to the throne as the new queen
Calls for unity and preservation of Māori culture and language
Pros
Unity and resurgence of Māori language and culture
Historical significance of Māori monarchy in New Zealand
Generational shift in Māori leadership
Cons
Recent racially divisive political culture in New Zealand