Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, the Māori Queen, has pledged to give the proceeds of the annual Turangawaewae Regatta to Māori communities impacted by severe weather events.

Ngātiwai in the North, Tauranga Moana and Te Tai Rāwhiti will receive the proceeds from the annual event, which sees thousands descend on the bank of the river at Ngāruawahia every year.

Waikato-Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, following a formal welcome onto the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Speaking to RNZ, Morgan said the regatta was a chance for the community to celebrate culture and enjoy each other’s company.

He said the century-old gathering would now be a chance to give some relief to those affected by recent flooding.

Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

The announcement comes off the back of a visit by Te Arikinui to Ngāiotonga Marae, a marae belonging to Ngātiwai, whose rohe was ravaged by the weather.

Morgan said the visit was a first-hand look at the degree and the level of devastation in a tiny community tucked away on the coast.

“It’s really important that people hear the stories… the stories of rescue, of struggle. As a result of that, [Te Arikinui] was driven to make this gesture of financial support.”

“People have lost their homes, people have worried about the short-term and long-term future. The best way to help is to reach out, provide some relief and some form of support – that’s exactly what the Queen is doing.” he said.

Former NorthTec student, tutor and director Hūhana Lyndon – now a Green MP – called the Save NorthTec Hui on Friday amid concerns for the institute’s future.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Green MP and former Ngātiwai Trust Board chief executive Huhana Lyndon told RNZ her people were grateful for the manāki.

“That announcement took my breath away.”

Lyndon said there had been ongoing support from groups all over the country, and the Queen’s announcement “demonstrates the way that we come together in times of crisis.”

Welcoming Te Arikinui onto Ngāiotonga Marae left the local “starstruck”, she said.

“Our tamariki mokopuna were there, whānau came… for myself, I’m from that rohe as well. My kainga is there and our farm was heavily impacted by the storm.”

“We’ve got significant damage and many months of work to come. So it just lifts your spirits, having that attention.”

The Turangawaewae Regatta celebrations kick off on Saturday, 21 March on the riverbank at Turangawaewae Marae.

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