Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

My Maori friend tells me that one of the best way to experience the culture is to attend a taingi "funeral"-that's when all the tidings and people come out. Of course you cannot plan one of those and one would not hope.

Who knew that during my time in New Zealand, I would witness the proceedings of one of the most significant taingi in Maoridom, the passing of the Maori Queen.

The Tu Hoe gathered their elders and with the neighbors in the surrounding valley started the pilgrimage to pay their respects. I would learn later they waited in line amongst thousands before sunrise and did not reach the podium until almost midnight.