The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday congratulated Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po on being named queen by the Maori of New Zealand.
On behalf of Taiwan’s government and public, the ministry offered sincere congratulations to Queen Nga Wai and instructed Representative to New Zealand Joanne Ou (歐江安) to convey their messages to the monarch’s office, the ministry said in a press release.
Nga Wai, 27, ascended to the throne on Thursday after her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, was laid to rest aged 69.
Photo: Reuters
The monarch, selected by the heads of Maori tribes, has no legal mandate and serves largely as a ceremonial role.
Ou, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland head Kendra Chen (陳詠韶) and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Ying (陳瑩) attended Kiingi Tuheitia’s memorial and Nga Wai’s coronation in the North Island town of Ngaruawahia, the ministry said.
Nga Wai, the youngest and only daughter of the late king, has visited Taiwan more than once, with her most recent trip being last year, the ministry said.
The ministry said Taipei and Wellington had attached great importance to protecting indigenous people and the government looked forward to working further with New Zealand to promote cooperation and people-to-people ties.
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