In 2024, following the death of her father, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō was selected as the Māori Queen by a wānanga (forum) of tribal leaders that was convened by the Tekau-mā-rua.

Te Atairangikaahu was on the annual Tira Hoe Waka canoe journey down the Whanganui River and had stopped for the night at Parikino Marae when she heard that her granddaughter had been born.

[6][5] Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō travelled to Taumarunui with her family to receive instruction from priests for Confirmation in the Catholic Church and then celebrated Confession or Reconciliation in a chapel at Hopuhopu, near Ngāruawāhia.

[14] She received a moko kauae (chin tattoo) in 2016, at age 19, along with her mother and her cousin Nanaia Mahuta, to celebrate her father's tenth year on the throne.

[4][10] Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō's role within the Kīngitanga became more prominent in her early twenties as she began to represent her father at cultural and political events.

[10] However, her growing prominence in recent years, including her participation in official engagements and representation of Māori interests, positioned her as a strong candidate.

[10] In this ceremony, known as Te Whakawahinga, the Tekau-mā-rua escorted her to the throne, a Bible was placed on her head, a tradition that dates back to the establishment of the role,[10] and she was anointed by Archbishop Donald Tamihere.

[13] On 22 October 2024, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō attended a national hui for unity at Tuahiwi Marae, near Christchurch, focusing on indigenous economies.