New Zealand Māori King Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII Passes Away at 69

Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori King of New Zealand, has died at the age of 69. The king passed away surrounded by his wife and three children after a period of recovery from heart surgery.

The announcement came from the Kiingitanga, the Māori king movement, on Friday morning local time (Thursday evening GMT). Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, expressed national grief, saying, “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a profound loss for Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom, and the entire nation. A chief has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”

Born Tūheitia Paki in 1955, King Tuheitia was crowned in 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Throughout his reign, he was a unifying figure, advocating for Māori unity and resilience against policies targeting their community. He famously urged, “In this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is kotahitanga [unity], and with that we will reach our destination.”

The selection of King Tuheitia’s successor will be made by the Kiingitanga leaders, with an announcement expected after his funeral rites. Reports indicate that the king will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being laid to rest on Taupiri Mountain.

The Māori kingship, established in 1858, was created to unify Māori communities and safeguard their culture and land from British colonization. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the king’s dedication, stating, “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 paid tribute, highlighting King Tuheitia’s advocacy for fairness, justice, and opportunities for the disadvantaged.

Internationally known, King Tuheitia attended King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023 and met the British monarch privately. King Charles expressed his condolences, stating he and Queen Camilla were “profoundly saddened” by the loss. He added in Māori, “Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne” (A mighty Totora tree has fallen), acknowledging the king’s commitment to Māori culture and Aotearoa New Zealand.

King Tuheitia notably declined to meet Prince William and Princess Kate during their 2014 visit, citing insufficient time to honor Māori customs.