Tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia: Remembering the Maori King’s Legacy of Unity

Tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia: A Legacy of Unity and Leadership

Kiingi Tuheitia, the esteemed Maori king, who fervently championed unity among New Zealand’s Indigenous tribes throughout his 18-year reign, passed away on Friday at the age of 69. The news of his demise was shared on social media platforms by the Kiingitanga, the Maori King Movement, although no specific cause of death was disclosed. It was reported that the king had been recuperating in a hospital following heart surgery.

Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, expressed the collective sorrow felt across Maoridom and New Zealand, stating, “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maoridom and the entire nation.” In a poignant tribute, he referred to the king as a chief who has transitioned to the great beyond, emphasizing the deep cultural significance of this loss.

In honor of the king’s passing, Radio New Zealand, a public broadcaster, reported that all public buildings would display the national flag at half-staff. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon commended the king’s “unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga.”

The Maori monarchy, a symbolic institution established in 1858, was created to unite Maori tribes in the face of colonial threats, as outlined by New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Kiingi Tuheitia, whose full name was Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, was the seventh monarch, having succeeded his mother, Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, upon her passing in 2006.

Celebrated during his coronation ceremony in 2006, Kiingi Tuheitia became a pivotal figure in Maori leadership. As of November 2022, the Maori population in New Zealand was estimated at 892,200, comprising 17.4 percent of the nation’s populace, according to official government statistics.

The election of Prime Minister Luxon’s conservative government last year raised concerns among many Maori, particularly as some party leaders proposed dismantling pro-Maori policies, including the widespread official use of the Maori language. In response, Kiingi Tuheitia convened a national assembly for Maori communities to hold the coalition government accountable, drawing thousands of attendees, as reported by Radio New Zealand.

Despite tensions, Kiingi Tuheitia urged participants at the meeting, “The best protest we can do right now is be Maori,” highlighting his commitment to cultural identity and resilience. Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lauded him as an “advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice, and prosperity,” reflecting the widespread respect he garnered throughout his life.

Born Tuheitia Paki in 1955 in Huntly, New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia had recently celebrated the 18th anniversary of his coronation. Throughout his reign, he engaged with royal families, government officials, foreign diplomats, and international leaders, fostering connections that transcended borders.

Following his death, he will lie in state for five days at Turangawaewae Marae, the spiritual home of the Maori King Movement, before being laid to rest at Taupiri, as per local news reports. At this time, no successor has been announced; however, according to Radio New Zealand, a new leader will be chosen by the heads of the tribes associated with the Kiingitanga on the final day of his tangi, or funeral.

Kiingi Tuheitia is survived by his wife, Makau Ariki, and their children: Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po, who will continue his legacy in the spirit of unity and cultural pride.