Maori King Tuheitia, center, is surrounded by family after making his speech during celebrations today for the first anniversary of his coronation at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. AP Photo/NZPA, Stephen Barker   Paddlers aboard three Maori war canoes prepare to salute the king and dignataries on the Waikato River during celebrations for the first anniversary of the coronation of Maori King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. AP Photo/NZPA, Stephen Barker

Royalty and traditional leaders from round the South Pacific, from Tonga's King George Tupou V to Samoan head of state, Tamasese Efi, and royalty from Hawai'i, Tahiti and Cook Islands, attended the ceremonies.

Tuheitia, the seventh Maori monarch, marked the formal start of official duties with his first public speech at the end of a week of ceremonies and sports events held to commemorate his coronation on Aug. 21, 2006.

The celebration also signaled the end of a year of mourning following the death of Tuheitia's mother, Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikahu, whom he succeeded last August.

In his first public speech Tuheitia, 52, a former tutor and cultural adviser at a Maori university, spoke of the importance of children's education and lifelong learning.

"As parents and grandparents we need to nurture the next generation to excel in all that they do, pursue excellence and be tireless in their determination," he told 4,000 guests at Turangawaewae Marae (meeting place), home of Maori kingship.

Tuheitia said adult learning was important for Maori success.

"As we commit to our Maori way and world view we open doors to peoples of all cultures, their language, knowledge and even create the potential for trading opportunities alongside the Maori economy," he said.

The king paid tribute to his mother and her Maori king predecessors, noting that their wisdom would help guide him on his way forward.

"We strive to lead opportunities for our people without fear but with courage and determination, secure in the knowledge that collectively we have the capacity to charter new waters and new horizons," he told the crowd.

The line of Maori sovereigns stretches back to 1858 when indigenous Maori selected their first king to unite their tribes as they struggled to retain ownership of their land amid an influx of British immigrants.