The relationship between peoples across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa and Aotearoa runs deep, with Māori and Pacific leaders often crossing oceans and borders to honour what Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa called "our cousins of the Pacific."
RNZ Pacific spoke with attendees about this enduring connection, and how it continues to evolve as Koroneihana marks one year since the ascension of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
Photo: Image courtesy of Te Tari o te Kiingitanga
Matalaoa Lafaele-Barlow and Lisa Meto Fox, delegates from the Pacific General Assembly in Tāmaki Makaurau, said the significance this year runs deep.
"This isn't just about showing up to an event. Every day, we are trying to awhi (support) our young people coming through. What's so symbolic about this Koroneihana is that our Queen is so young, she is our vision, and we are following beside her, after her. So it's great to be here…and also acknowledge that many of our Pacific whakapapa Maori," Lafaele-Barlow said.
"It's really important that Pacific people, especially in Aotearoa and around the Pacific, show kotahitanga, and solidarity with te ao Maori. Particularly at this time, with this political climate," Meto Fox added.
Photo: Image courtesy of Te Tari o te Kiingitanga
For Rhoen Hemara, a student from Te Wānanga o Takiura, the long-standing history between the Pacific and Aotearoa is alive in moments like these.
"Even though the Pacific is so vast and the islands are spread out, we are all still connected," Hemara said.
Having that hononga (connection) means we stay linked. Our tūpuna used the Pacific like a highway, so it only makes sense that we continue to show up, in their name and honour.
Rhoen Hemara and Rawiri Howard, ākonga of Te Wānanga o Takiura, said it was important as young people to see a rangatahi leader in that position. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ
Youth voices this year shared similar sentiments that Te Arikinui, at just 28, embodies a fresh, rangatahi-led future.
Pacific youth delegate Maia Lusia Anitele'a emphasised this.
"Being here as Pacific youth, it's important to bridge the gap between rangatahi Māori, as well, if we have to fight issues together, both being minorities, both being indigenous peoples… we need to come together, have unity, and… support such a great thing," Anitele'a said.
Maia Lusia Anitele'a and Linzie Mata'afa at Koroneihana. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance
And for Maluseu Monise, attending with mother Glory Ratu, the atmosphere has been a reminder of the global strength of the Pacific community.
"It's inspiring to see delegates from all over the world, especially the Pacific, come together," Monise said.
"While we know there's a lot of work to be done across the Pacific, this moment is about coming together to celebrate Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po."
As Pacific solidarity and representation remains strong this year, attendees look forward to the first address from Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po at midday Friday, with celebrations rounding out with a festive-filled Saturday.
