New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Passes Away at 69, Leaving a Legacy of Unity

New Zealand mourns the loss of Kingi Tuheitia Paki, the respected leader of the Maori King Movement (Kingitanga), who passed away at the age of 69. The Kingitanga movement announced the sad news on Friday morning, August 30th, sharing that King Tuheitia’s wife and three children were by his side during his final moments.

The late king recently underwent heart surgery, shortly after marking the 18th anniversary of his coronation. Despite his surgery, King Tuheitia remained in the hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his condition. Rahui Papa, a spokesman for the Kingitanga movement, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the Maori community and the nation at large. “This is a moment of profound sadness for the followers of Kingitanga, Maoridom, and the entire nation. He has passed away. Rest in peace.”

Pohūhū ana mai a Taupiri kuao ūe, ūe, āuē taukuri e
Nā wai taku ahi i tipoko kia māeke ai taku kiri
Nā Mate-Kai-Tangata, nā Aitua-horo-arikinui e
Tukuna te waikamo anō he uamairangi e
Tihorea ngā kahu o māuiui, o hārukiruki i tō tinana
Haere rirerire atu rā ki ō tuaiho e tatari… pic.twitter.com/yPb0cqkGmb

— NZ in Australia (@NZAustralia) August 30, 2024

Born in 1955, King Tuheitia was crowned in 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikahu, who was also a revered unifying figure. King Tuheitia carried forward his mother's legacy, embodying the spirit of unity among the Maori people. He was known for his calls for solidarity, urging the Maori community to face challenges together. "Let us move forward despite the storms we face. There is no need to worry. We are strong in this storm. United. The wind in our sail is kotahitanga (unity), and with it, we will reach our destination," he once said, rallying his people.

As the nation grieves, the Kingitanga leadership is tasked with selecting King Tuheitia's successor. According to tradition, the new king will not be named until after King Tuheitia's funeral, respecting the period of mourning.

This news marks a significant moment in New Zealand's history, reflecting the deep respect and love that the Maori community and the nation had for King Tuheitia. His passing is not only a loss for the Maori people but also for the entire country.

For more detailed information about the history of the Maori King Movement and King Tuheitia’s legacy, visit Bengali Vogue.