Aotearoa New Zealand is in mourning following the sudden death of Māori King Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who passed away early Friday morning at the age of 69. His death occurred peacefully in a hospital surrounded by his family, following recent heart surgery.
Kiingi Tūheitia’s body has been brought to Tūrangawaewae Marae, where he will lie in state for five days in preparation for his tangihanga, expected to be held on Thursday, 5 September. The tangi is anticipated to be one of the largest in Māoridom in nearly two decades.
The news of the king’s death has sent shockwaves across te ao Māori and the wider nation, especially as he was seen at the koroneihana just last week, marking the 18th anniversary of his coronation. RNZ’s Tumu Māori Shannon Haunui-Thompson expressed the collective disbelief, stating, “It’s an understatement to say that everyone’s in shock.”
Political leaders from across the spectrum have paid tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking from the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, honoured the king as a devoted leader who was deeply committed to his people and culture. “I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna, his passion for te ao Māori, and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect,” Luxon said. He also reflected on the personal kindness the king had shown him during their meetings at Tūrangawaewae.
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, shared a poignant tribute:
“Te Kīwai o te kete intertwines me forever with our Kīngitanga, your messages of hope ‘to be Māori every day’, reminder that the ‘wind in our sails is kotahitanga’ lives with us every day. Your legacy will live on. Long live our Kīngitanga.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, also expressed her condolences, acknowledging the deep connections between Tainui and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Porirua’s mana whenua partner. “As the Mayor of Porirua City, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and people of Tūrangawaewae Marae and Te Rohe Pōtae upon hearing of the untimely passing of Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII. The Tainui confederation and allegiances to the Māori monarchy reach far and wide around the country, including here in Porirua with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, whose journey from the Waikato is well known and celebrated in the famed haka of Te Rauparaha.”
The line of Māori sovereigns, a tradition that began in 1858, continues with Kiingi Tūheitia being the seventh monarch. Following his tangihanga, he will be laid to rest at Taupiri Mountain, a significant burial site for Māori royalty. It is expected that his successor will be announced after the tangi, marking the continuation of the Kiingitanga movement.
Kiingi Tūheitia’s passing marks a significant moment in New Zealand’s history, as the nation reflects on his leadership and the enduring legacy of the Māori monarchy.