Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII has passed away peacefully in New Zealand at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po, according to a statement.
Tuheitia was hospitalized in New Zealand recovering from heart surgery, which did not go as hoped, according to Ngira Simmonds, the Kiingitanga’s chief of staff, who spoke with Radio NZ.
Ascending to the kingship in 2006 after the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Tuheitia’s funeral is anticipated to take place next Thursday. He will be buried on the sacred Taupiri Mountain alongside his mother and previous Māori kings.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, currently attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, has led the national tributes. Flags on government and public buildings in New Zealand are flying at half-mast.
Luxon stated: “Today, we mourn. 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.
“I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna [young people], his passion for te ao Māori [customs], and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
In New Zealand, president of the Māori Party John Tamihere said in a statement: “The Kiingitanga, in our people’s darkest moments, gave our people hope.”
Britain’s King Charles III, New Zealand’s formal head of state, expressed his shock at the news, having recently spoken with King Tuheitia by phone.
In his statement, King Charles said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia. I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades.
“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.”
