Maori King Tūheitia has died in New Zealand, aged 69, after recently undergoing heart surgery.
A statement issued by the office of the Kiingitanga said he died peacefully on Friday, accompanied by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po.
Kīngi Tūheitia only days ago celebrated the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
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“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,” the statement said.
“He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki. Moe mai raa.”
Shannon Haunui-Thompson told RNZ’s First Up Kīngi Tūheitia would lie in state for at least five days and then be taken to the urupa at the top of Taupiri, the ancestral maunga.
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Haunui-Thompson told RNZ she attended the tangi of his mother, Dame Te Atairangi Kahu, in 2006, and said thousands of people lined the Waikato as she was taken down the awa in a waka.
“He had a great smile … and more recently he was very strong” in uniting and mobilising Māori over government challenges to mana motuhake.
“He really led that to get all iwi together… and was really successful, there were thousands and thousands of people there, from all walks of life,” she said.
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Dame Jacinda Adern described Kīngi as an “advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice and prosperity.”
“You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope. You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa,” she said on social media.
“And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome – including me. Nga mihi nui, Kingi. Rest easy now.”
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This article first appeared on Stuff and is republished here with permission.
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