By New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, DIED peacefully at age 69, surrounded by his wife and three children, the Kiingitanga movement announced Friday.
The king, born Tūheitia Paki in 1955, passed away in hospital while recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating his 18th coronation anniversary.
Kiingitanga spokesman Rahui Papa said, “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation.”
Crowned in 2006 following his mother’s death, King Tuheitia was widely regarded as a unifying figure. He recently called on Māori to stand together against policies targeting them, saying, “Let’s keep pushing forward while we are currently facing a storm, there’s no need to worry. In this storm we are strong.”
The king’s body 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. His successor will be chosen by Kiingitanga leaders and may not be announced until after funeral rites conclude.
The Māori king position, established in 1858, aimed to unify Māori against land loss to British colonizers and preserve Māori culture.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the king’s “unwavering commitment to his people” and efforts to uphold Kiingitanga values and traditions.
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern said, “You have been an advocate for Māori, for fairness, justice and prosperity.”
King Tuheitia attended King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023 and met him privately. The British monarch expressed profound sadness at Tuheitia’s passing, praising his commitment to forging a strong future for Māori and New Zealand “founded upon culture, traditions and healing.”
King Charles added in Māori, “Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne,” meaning “A mighty Totora tree has fallen,” referencing a sacred native tree symbolizing strength.
In 2014, King Tuheitia declined to meet then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, citing insufficient time for proper cultural customs during their New Zealand tour.
