Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the revered Māori King of New Zealand, has passed away at the age of 69.
The Māori king movement, announced his peaceful passing on social media on Friday morning, noting he was surrounded by his wife and three children.
The king had been in the hospital recovering from heart surgery, only days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
Rahui Papa, a spokesman for the Kiingitanga, expressed the deep sadness felt across Māoridom and the nation.
READ ALSO:
- American Archaeologist Dies After Viking Boat Capsizes
- Nigerian Pilot Faces 5-Year Jail Term In Texas
- FG Exposes Canada-Based Woman Behind Anti-Yoruba, Benin Threats
“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom, and the entire nation. A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love,” he said.
Born Tūheitia Paki in 1955, King Tuheitia was crowned in 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Like his mother, King Tuheitia was celebrated as a unifying figure, recently urging Māori to stand together in the face of challenges.
He famously said, “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.”
His successor will be chosen by leaders within the Kiingitanga, with the announcement expected to follow the conclusion of his funeral rites.
The king 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, a site of great cultural significance.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to the late king, saying, “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 expressed her condolences, praising King Tuheitia as an advocate for Māori, fairness, justice, and prosperity.
King Charles III, who met Kiingi Tuheitia on several occasions, expressed his sorrow in a statement, noting, “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.”
King Charles also honored him in the Māori language, saying, “Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne. (A mighty Totora tree has fallen),” symbolizing the king’s strength and sacred status.
In 2014, King Tuheitia made headlines when he declined to meet Prince William and Princess Kate during their New Zealand tour, citing the insufficient time allocated to properly observe cultural customs.
The passing of Kiingi Tuheitia marks the end of an era for the Māori community and the nation, as they reflect on the legacy of a leader who was both a cultural guardian and a unifying figure for all of New Zealand.
