New Zealand's Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, has sadly passed away at the age of 69 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. He was the seventh monarch in the Kiingitanga movement, a position established in 1858 to unite New Zealand's Indigenous Maori tribes in the face of British colonization.
Tuheitia passed away in a hospital after undergoing heart surgery, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga movement. The movement aimed to halt the sale of land to non-Indigenous individuals, prevent inter-tribal conflicts, and serve as a platform for the preservation of Maori culture.
The Maori King played a significant ceremonial role in New Zealand, a country where Maori constitute nearly 20% of the population. His death has been met with great sorrow by followers of Kiingitanga, Maoridom, and the nation as a whole.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Tuheitia, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to his people and the values of the Kiingitanga movement. Luxon praised Tuheitia's commitment to the Maori community and his vision for a future characterized by respect and dignity for all individuals.
In response to policies of the government, Tuheitia had recently led national unity discussions among Maori communities. Critics have accused the government of being anti-Maori in its attempts to reverse policies that support Indigenous people and language.
King Charles III of New Zealand and Queen Camilla expressed deep sadness at Tuheitia's passing, highlighting his efforts to build a strong future for Maori and New Zealand based on culture, traditions, and healing.
Prior to his death, thousands had gathered at Turangawaewae Marae for the annual celebrations of the king's reign. The Tainui tribes in the Waikato region hold the seat of the king, and the succession to the throne remains uncertain.
It is anticipated that Kiingi Tuheitia will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being laid to rest on Taupiri Mountain, marking the end of an era for the Maori King Movement.
