The Māori King of New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, has passed away at the age of 69.
According to reports, the monarch was surrounded by his wife and three children, and he had died after a period of recovery in the hospital after heart surgery.
The sad news was announced by the Kiingitanga, the Māori king movement, on Friday morning local time (Thursday evening GMT).
Born Tūheitia Paki in 1955, King Tuheitia was coronated in 2006 when his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu died.
During the course of his reign, he was touted as a unifying figure, as he had continuously urged Māori to stand together against policies that targeted their community.
King Tuheitia’s successor will be chosen by leaders within the Kiingitanga, but the announcement may not come until his funeral rites are concluded..
According to New Zealand media, the king is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae (the seat of the Māori king) for five days, before being taken to rest on Taupiri Mountain.
The Māori king’s role dates as far back to 1858, when Māori leaders created the position to serve as a unifying figure comparable to that of a European monarch. The role while mostly ceremonial, was intended to prevent the loss of Māori land to British colonizers and to preserve Māori culture.
What They’re Saying
The New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon had paid tribute to the late king on social media, stating:
“His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.”
Additionally, the former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern also offered her respects. In her words:
“You have been an advocate for Māori, for fairness, justice, and prosperity. You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope.”
King Tuheitia was also known internationally as he had snagged an invite to King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023 and had the chance to meet with the British monarch privately before the celebration.Owing to this, King Charles expressed his condolences, saying he and Queen Camilla were “profoundly saddened” by the news. “He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions, and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion,” said King Charles, adding in Māori, “Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne” (A mighty Totora tree has fallen), referencing a sacred and symbolic native New Zealand tree.
