Māori King Tuheitia passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024. He had been recovering in the hospital from heart surgery, which he underwent just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation. His death was announced by Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga (Māori King movement), who expressed the sadness felt by followers of the movement and the nation.
Also Read: Project 2025: The Conservative Blueprint for a Potential Second Trump Administration
He was Born in 1955, King Tuheitia was the son of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the sixth Māori monarch. He ascended to the throne in 2006 following the death of his mother.
His ascension was the continuation of a royal lineage that has been integral to Māori identity and resistance against colonization.
The Kiingitanga was established in 1858 as a response to the growing threat of colonization with the aim of uniting Māori under a single sovereign.
Although largely ceremonial, the role of the Māori monarch is with symbolic and political power. The monarch is regarded as the paramount chief of several tribes or iwi and a guardian of Māori culture and rights.
During his 18-year reign, King Tuheitia was a fierce advocate for Māori rights and wellbeing. He worked to address issues such as Māori incarceration rates and environmental conservation concerning whale protection in the Pacific.
In the months leading up to his death King Tuheitia issued a rare royal proclamation calling for Māori unity in response to government policies perceived as detrimental to Māori rights.
He warned against changes to the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document and urged the nation to embrace Māori customs.
Flags across New Zealand were flown at half-mast as the nation mourned the loss of a leader. In Ngāruawāhia, the seat of the Māori King movement, locals began to gather to pay their respects as King Tuheitia’s body was prepared for his tangihanga (funeral).
Luxon praised King Tuheitia for his legacy of his efforts to bring Māori and non-Māori together.
Also Read: China and Vietnam Signed 14 Agreements Covering Infrastructure, Agriculture and Trade
King Charles expressed his sadness at the news addressing his relationship with King Tuheitia and commending his commitment to Māori culture and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni described King Tuheitia as a great leader of the Pacific.
The Māori monarchy is known as the Kiingitanga and it was established in 1858 as a unifying force for the indigenous tribes of New Zealand in response to British colonization.
The movement aimed to resist the sale of Māori land to non-Indigenous people, end inter-tribal conflicts and preserve Māori culture and traditions.
Kiingi Tuheitia ascended to the throne on August 21, 2006, following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. His coronation was held at Turangawaewae Marae, the headquarters of the Kiingitanga located in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand.
Kiingi Tuheitia had battled several health issues including cancer and diabetes. Despite these challenges he remained a dedicated leader continuing to fulfill his duties until his final days.
Tuheitia was hospitalized shortly after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation. He underwent heart surgery but unfortunately did not recover.
The next Māori monarch will be selected by the heads of tribes associated with the Kiingitanga. This decision will be made on the day of King Tuheitia’s funeral, but before his burial.
The tangihanga for King Tuheitia is expected to last for five days during which tens of thousands of mourners will gather to pay their respects.
His body will lie in state at Tūrangawaewae Marae, the traditional seat of the Māori King. King Tuheitia will be buried on Taupiri Mountain alongside his mother, Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu and previous Māori kings.
Also Read: Protests in Indonesia Over Parliament’s Attempt to Override Court Rulings
