Hundreds turned out for the 130th Turangawaewae Regatta held in Ngāruawahia on the banks of the Waikato River over the weekend – the first hosted by Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
The all-day whānau-friendly event featured single-hull canoe racing, cultural and musical performances as well as market stalls and amusement rides. The tribe’s fleet of waka taua were also on parade.
Rahui Papa, spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, said when the waka make their salute “they’re saluting everybody down the river” but a dignitary is usually on hand to receive it.
“We’ve had ambassadors, we’ve had royalty and other corporate people to accept the salute but today was a bit emotional because it was the first time that our queen accepted the salute from her people on her waka.”
He said it was a bittersweet moment, remembering how King Tuheitia once accepted the salute from the fleet, and now this year it was about farewelling him and welcoming the new monarch.
“But it is a wonderful moment that the regatta continues on through the trials and tribulations of the time.”
Ngira Simmonds, Kiingitanga’s chief of staff, said it was with some sadness that all the occasions this year have been firsts for Te Arikinui, not just as the new monarch, but without her father.
“There is that element of sadness, however, I think the Queen feels uplifted by the number of people that come to share in her grief, and to support her as she embarks on this reign, which will be one of greatness.”
The regatta has expanded in recent years and has become a Kiingitanga kaupapa that includes iwi from around the country, said Simmonds.
“It’s wonderful to be able to welcome kapa haka from across the motu who have gathered here today to support the kaupapa, to support the queen, to enjoy in this wonderful day, and everything that this regatta has to offer.”
Simmonds said he continues to be surprised by the sheer size of some of the events the queen attends, numbers doubling at most.
“What we’re seeing and experiencing is a movement that is in full support of her, and of all of the aspirations left of her by her father, her grandfather, and all her ancestors before her.
“She receives all of that with great humility and excitement.
“At her koroneihana this year we’ll hear from her in her own words as she addresses the motu for the first time. She understands, she feels the love, she’s grateful for the love and through love will continue to bind our unity together.”
