Traditional Welcome Ceremony accorded to the Māori queen – Te Arikinui Kuini, Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō

A Fijian traditional welcome ceremony was accorded to The Māori Queen – Te Arikinui Kuini, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, at the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Complex in Suva yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 9th July 2025).

The Māori Queen will be attending the installation ceremony of the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara on the island of Lakeba, today (Thursday, July 10, 2025).

Her Majesty’s arrival marks a significant moment of cultural solidarity between the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the traditional chiefly leadership of Fiji.

As a demonstration of respect and honor, the Maori Queen was warmly welcomed with a traditional Veiqaravi Vakavanua ceremony performed by the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs. In line with the traditional customs, the ceremony included a presentation of a Tabua (Whales tooth). In response, Maori representatives presented a cultural tribute of their own, reinforcing the shared values and ancestral connections between the indigenous communities of the two nations.

The Māori Queen’s visit reinforces the historical links between the Māori and Pacific Island communities and showcases the growing importance of indigenous diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Māori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō extended her appreciation to the President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to her.