The Māori community in New Zealand is mourning the loss of King Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. The King passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 69, only days after celebrating his 18th year as Māori king. His death occurred in the hospital following heart surgery, marking a significant loss for the preservation and promotion of Māori culture, to which he was deeply committed.

Taking the throne in 2006, Tuheitia became the seventh Māori king in a line that has its roots in the establishment of the Māori king movement, or Kīngitanga, in the mid-19th century. The foundation of this movement was to unite Māori tribes under a single leader to provide a collective voice in negotiations with the colonial government. Over time, the role of the Māori king has evolved, yet it remains a vital part of Māori identity and governance.

Throughout his 18-year reign, Tuheitia was a consistent advocate for Māori rights and for the preservation of Māori culture. His efforts in fostering relationships between the Māori and the wider New Zealand society were crucial, often underlining the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

New Zealand’s constitutional head of state, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla expressed profound sadness over Tuheitia’s demise. Charles, reflecting on their long friendship, noted that Tuheitia was committed to establishing a strong future for both the Māori people and New Zealand, one that is steeped in culture, traditions, and healing, a mission he pursued with wisdom and compassion.

Despite facing numerous health challenges in recent years, Tuheitia remained committed to fulfilling his duties, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his people. His 18th anniversary as Māori king was a momentous event, attended by leaders and dignitaries from across New Zealand. The event underscored his influence on his community and the respect he earned from both Māori and non-Māori.

His death leaves a significant void in the Māori community, with many expressing deep sadness at the loss of a leader who devoted his life to serving his people. His legacy is marked by cultural pride, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice for the Māori people.

As the Māori community begins to grieve his loss, focus now shifts to the future of the Kīngitanga. A new Māori Queen, the deceased King’s daughter, was crowned on Thursday, September 5, stepping into her position during a period when New Zealand is confronting significant challenges to its race relations for the first time in 20 years. A statement from her representatives indicated that Nga Wai Hono i te Po had been selected by Māori elders to succeed her father.