As a barrister specialising in Māori rights, youth justice, and the application of tikanga in Aotearoa’s courts, Kingi offered insights into the challenges and opportunities of engaging with systems shaped by colonial histories. His kōrero wove together legal expertise, lived experience, and indigenous worldviews to guide Māori leaders and pakihi on their journeys.

A central theme was the role of indigenous governance in shaping futures that prioritise mokopuna and collective wellbeing. Kingi emphasised that tikanga and whakapapa provide strong foundations for decision-making, and that Māori leadership is essential for creating pathways that reflect our values.

He described the reality of walking in two worlds — Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā, justice and tikanga — and the lessons that come from holding the tensions between them. This dual perspective challenges leaders to navigate complexity with integrity and courage.

Kingi also highlighted the importance of resilience and self-care, reminding Māori leaders that alongside strategy, practices which protect wairua and mauri are vital when working within high-pressure systems not designed for us.

He also spoke about his mahi outside the courtroom, where he is building kaupapa Māori enterprises grounded in rongoā Māori and wairua-based practices. For Kingi, tino rangatiratanga is not only a political aspiration but also a lived practice — one that can be woven into whānau life, business, and community development.

His closing challenge was a call to action: to dream beyond current systems, and to have the courage to imagine structures that truly reflect who we are as Māori.

Key Takeaways for Whānau and Pakihi

• Lead with confidence, influence, and mana – Māori leadership is critical to shaping change.
• Embed tikanga and whakapapa into governance and business as a guiding compass.
• Collective wellbeing is success – measure outcomes by how whānau, hapū, and iwi are uplifted.
• Balance engagement with Kāwanatanga and tino rangatiratanga – work within systems but hold fast to Māori aspirations.
• Kaupapa Māori innovation matters – enterprises rooted in rongoā, wairua, and mātauranga Māori can inspire modern solutions.
• Resilience and self-care practices are essential to sustain leadership and protect wairua.

This kōrero highlighted that tino rangatiratanga is not confined to the political realm — it is an everyday practice that strengthens whānau, pakihi, and future generations.