Getty ImagesNew Zealand’s Māori king – Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII – has died peacefully at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife and three children.
The Kiingitanga or Māori King movement announced the news on social media on Friday morning local time (Thursday evening GMT).
Spokesman Rahui Papa said the king was in hospital recovering from heart surgery, just days after the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for the followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,” the spokesperson said. “A leader has gone forever. Rest in love.”
Getty ImagesKing Tuheitia’s successor will be chosen by leaders within the Kiingitanga and may not be announced until after the funeral ceremonies, which usually last at least three days.
The king’s body is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, the Māori king’s residence, for five days before being returned to Mount Taupiri for burial, New Zealand media reported.
The king was born Tūheitia Paki in 1955. He ascended the throne in 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Position of the Māori king Dated from 1858.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to the king. on social media, saying: “His unwavering devotion to his people and tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga people have left an indelible mark on our nation.”
AFPThe Māori monarch attended the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023 and meet privately The King of England before the ceremony.
The two also met during Prince Charles and his wife Camilla’s visit to New Zealand in 2015.
In 2014, the king refuse to meet Prince William and Princess Kate, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on a visit to New Zealand because he felt the time allotted for the visit was not enough.
Additional reporting by Kathryn Armstrong
