New Zealand’s Maori chiefs have anointed a 27-year-old queen as their new monarch.
The choice of Nga Wai hono i te po Paki was welcomed as a symbol of change for the Indigenous community.
She is the youngest child and only daughter of King Tuheitia, who died last week.
After being selected by a council of chiefs, Nga Wai was ushered to the throne by a group of men bearing ceremonial weapons who chanted, screamed and shouted in acclamation.
“The new monarch was raised up in a ceremony known as Te Whakawahinga, in front of thousands of people gathered for the tangihanga [funeral and burial] of Kiingi Tuheitia,” a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, or royal family, said.
Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated
Thank you for subscribing!
Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated
Thank you for subscribing!