Breadcrumbs

Kīngitanga Day

The University of Waikato and Kīngitanga

From its founding in 1964, the University of Waikato has had strong connections with the Kīngitanga, Waikato-Tainui and many other iwi across the country.  Through Kīngitanga Day, these relationships are honoured.

Kīngitanga Day

Since its inception in 2009, Kīngitanga Day has attracted large participation and involvement from the local community.  It is a unique opportunity to experience the cultural richness and diversity of the University.   A day that is designed with the express purpose of bringing together University staff and students, and engaging the community in a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring experience.

Annually the programme offers a showcasing of activities that provide a platform for connecting, enhancing and further developing relationships with communities in the University of Waikato wider region.

Kīngitanga - the Māori King Movement

At Pukawa in 1858, the Kīngitanga was established by Māori tribes across the land with the aim of uniting Māori under a single sovereign. Its purpose was to put an end to Māori land alienation, to halt inter-tribal warfare and to preserve Mana Māori Motuhake.

  • Pōtatau Te Wherowhero of Waikato-Tainui was installed as the first Māori King in 1858.
  • In 1860, Kīngi Pōtatau was succeeded by his son Tāwhiao, also known as Matutaera.
  • In 1894 following the death of Kīngi Tāwhiao, his son Mahuta was appointed the third Māori King.
  • In 1912 Te Rata was invested with the Kingship, followed by his son Koroki who became the fifth Māori King in 1933.
  • Upon the death of Kīngi Koroki in 1966, the King Movement saw the coronation of the first Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
  • Ascending to the throne in 2006, the current reigning monarch of the Kīngitanga is Kīngi Tuheitia.

Kīngitanga Day 2014

Kīngitanga Day 2013

Kīngitanga Day 2012

Kīngitanga Day 2015