New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori community is mourning the loss of their leader, King Tuheitia, who passed away on Friday at the age of 69. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, while recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
In a heartfelt statement, a spokesperson for the Maori King movement, known as Kiingitanga, expressed the deep sadness felt by all: “The passing of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sorrow. A revered leader has journeyed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”
The Kiingitanga was established in 1858 to unite the Maori people under one sovereign leader. While the position holds no legal authority, it carries significant political and symbolic importance for New Zealand’s Maori, who make up about 17% of the population, approximately 900,000 people.
King Charles III, New Zealand’s formal head of state, expressed his shock and sadness at the news, having recently spoken with King Tuheitia. In his statement, King Charles shared, “My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of Kiingi Tuheitia’s passing. I have had the great privilege of knowing him for decades. His commitment to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa-New Zealand, rooted in culture, traditions, and healing, was carried out with great wisdom and compassion.”
The UK monarch also fondly recalled his meetings with King Tuheitia in New Zealand in 2015 and at Buckingham Palace last year.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, currently attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, led the nation in paying tribute, with flags on government and public buildings lowered to half-mast. “Today, we mourn,” Luxon stated. “King Tuheitia’s unwavering dedication to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation. I will remember his commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand, his dedication to young people, his passion for Maori customs, and his vision for a future where dignity and respect are afforded to all.”
Tuheitia was the seventh monarch of the Kiingitanga, having ascended to the throne in 2006 following the death of his mother, Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who had led for 40 years. Over his reign, King Tuheitia became a powerful voice in New Zealand’s political landscape, particularly on issues related to the nation’s colonial history.
The arrival of Europeans in New Zealand in 1642 brought colonization, discrimination against Maori, and conflicts that eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This treaty, considered the founding document of New Zealand, established British rule but also promised the Maori the same rights as British subjects and authority over their treasured cultural heritage.
In March, King Tuheitia made a passionate plea for the protection of whales, advocating for the species to be granted the same legal rights as people. He believed that recognizing the inherent rights of these sacred animals, such as the right to a healthy environment, was crucial for the restoration of their populations.
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also paid tribute to the late king on Instagram, saying, “You have been a steadfast advocate for Maori, for justice, and for prosperity. Your work to build understanding of our shared history has strengthened Aotearoa. You made everyone feel welcome — including me. Rest easy now.”
