New Zealand's New Queen with Face Tattoo Has Ascended to the Throne (4 photos + 1 video)
Nga Wai is seeking to ensure unity among the different Maori tribes that elected her to the throne through an advisory council. 
The Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, now have a new queen, 27-year-old Nga Wai hono i te po Paki. Following the death of her grandmother, she became only the second woman to be crowned since the monarchy began in 1858.
Nga Wai is seeking to ensure unity among the diverse Maori tribes that elected her to the throne through the Kiingitanga, a group of 12 elders who acted as her successor after the death of her father, King Tuheitia Puatau Te Wherowero VII.
The late monarch was reportedly in poor health for two years and died last Friday following heart surgery. 
Many have been positive about New Zealand's new queen. In particular, lawyer Annette Sykes, who mainly fights for the rights of indigenous peoples, says: "We have all seen her grow up. Very humble, has a thirst for knowledge and wears a moko kauae (tattoo on her chin). The Queen is leading us into uncharted and stormy waters, and she is going to do it with honour." 
As the Maori queen, Nga Wai hono i te po Paki has more representative duties, but can intervene in matters related to the protection of the rights and culture of the people. This is important because Indigenous people have shorter life expectancies than other New Zealanders and their children are often dependent on government support. 
The woman reportedly studied at the University of Waikato and gained a Bachelor of Arts degree. After the coronation, she accompanied her father's coffin down the Waikato River in a flotilla of four war canoes.
