Summarised by Centrist
Māori King Tuheitia passed away just days after celebrating 18 years on the throne. Kīngi Tuheitia, who was recovering from heart surgery, died peacefully on Friday morning, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po, according to a statement from the Kiingitanga.
Tuheitia will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain. Born Tuheitia Paki in 1955 in Huntly, he ascended to the throne on 21 August 2006 after the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Throughout his reign, Kīngi Tuheitia played a role in Māori issues and represented the Kiingitanga at numerous national and international events, including the funeral of Tongan King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023.
