The Māori king in New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, has passed away peacefully at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife and three children.
The Kiingitanga, or Māori king movement, shared the news on social media on Friday morning local time, Thursday evening GMT.
According to Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom, and the entire nation. A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”
King Tuheitia was born Tūheitia Paki in 1955 and ascended to the throne in 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. He was revered as a unifying leader, recently urging Māori to unite against policies targeting them.
“Let’s keep pushing forward while we are currently facing a storm, there’s no need to worry. In this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is kotahitanga [unity], and with that, we will reach our destination,” he encouraged.
The process to select King Tuheitia’s successor will be undertaken by leaders within the Kiingitanga, with the announcement potentially being withheld until after his funeral rites. New Zealand media reported that the king is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, the seat of the Māori king, for five days before being taken to Taupiri Mountain for his final resting place.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to the king via 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.”
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern also paid tribute, remarking, “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 Charles III expressed his deep sadness over Kiingi Tuheitia’s passing, noting that he had enjoyed knowing the king for many years.
“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,” he stated. King Charles also added in Māori.
“Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne. (A mighty Totora tree has fallen),” a reference to a sacred and symbolically strong native New Zealand tree.
