Getty ImagesNew Zealand’s Maori King Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII passed away peacefully at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife and three children.
Kiingitanga (Maori King Movement) announced the news on social media on Friday morning local time (Thursday evening GMT).
Spokesman Rahui Papa said the king was recovering in hospital from heart surgery just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
“The Kinjitanga people, the Maori community and followers across the country are deeply saddened by the passing of Kinji Tuheitiya,” the spokesman said. “A chief who has passed away. Rest in love.”
Getty ImagesKing Tuhaitiya’s successor will be chosen by leaders within Kingitanga and may not be announced until after his funeral, which usually lasts at least three days.
New Zealand media reported that the king is expected to visit Turangawaewae Marae, the seat of the Maori king, for five days before heading to Taupiri Mountain to rest.
The King was born in 1955 as Tūheitia Paki.
The status of the Maori King The history goes back to 1858.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon pays tribute to King Said on social media: “His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to preserve the values and traditions of the Genegitanga people have left an indelible mark on our country.”
AFPThe Maori King attends the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023 private meeting British monarch in front of celebrations.
The two also met during a 2015 visit to New Zealand by then-Prince Charles and his wife Camilla.
2014, king refuse to meet Prince William and Kate Middleton (then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) were on a tour of New Zealand because he said the 60 to 90 minutes allotted for the visit were not enough.
Additional reporting by Katherine Armstrong
