King of New Zealand’s Māori People, Kiingi Tuheitia, Dead at 69
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people, has passed away peacefully at the age of 69, CNN reports.
The announcement came on Friday, with spokesperson Rahui Papa expressing deep sorrow for the loss.
“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom, and the entire nation,” Rahui Papa said.
The king had been hospitalized in recent days recovering from heart surgery, following a long history of health issues, including cancer and diabetes. His passing occurred shortly after he celebrated the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
The Māori monarchy was established in 1858 during the Kiingitanga movement, which sought to strengthen indigenous resistance to colonialism. While the monarch does not hold judicial authority, the position is imbued with significant ceremonial importance and respect among the Māori tribes.
Māori represent nearly one-fifth of New Zealand’s population of over 5 million, yet they frequently experience discrimination that contributes to poorer health, education outcomes, and higher incarceration rates. Earlier this year, Tuheitia hosted over 10,000 Māori to discuss government plans to cancel reforms deemed detrimental to indigenous rights.
New Zealand’s right-wing government has proposed changes that would dissolve the Māori Health Authority, limit the use of the Māori language, and lift restrictions on tobacco sales, all issues that have sparked concern among Māori leaders.
Born Tuheitia Paki in 1955 in Huntly, Tuheitia received his education in Waikato and Auckland. He ascended to the monarchy on August 21, 2006, following the passing of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
After his death, Tuheitia will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, the headquarters of the Kiingitanga, for five days before being laid to rest at the sacred burial site of Mount Taupiri.
“His [Tuheitia’s] unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said while leaiding tributes.
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised Tuheitia as an advocate for Māori rights, justice, and fairness. Britain’s King Charles expressed his deep sadness upon learning of Tuheitia’s death, referencing a Māori proverb and describing the late king as someone who worked tirelessly for the future of Māori culture and traditions.
Tuheitia is survived by his wife, Te Atawhai, and their three children: sons Whatumoana and Korotangi, and daughter Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki. The position of Māori monarch is not hereditary; instead, leaders from the tribes in the Kiingitanga traditionally appoint a new monarch at the previous monarch’s funeral, prior to burial.
