The passing of King Tuheitia, the leader of New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori people, has left the nation in mourning. The 69-year-old king died peacefully after undergoing heart surgery, surrounded by his family. Just days earlier, he had celebrated the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
The Kiingitanga movement, aiming to unite New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori under a single sovereign, was founded in 1858. While the position holds significant political and symbolic importance, it has no legal status.
New Zealand’s Maori community makes up about 17% of the population, with King Charles III expressing shock over King Tuheitia’s passing. The UK monarch praised Tuheitia for his commitment to Maori traditions and healing.
The late monarch, the seventh in the Kiingitanga line, succeeded his mother in 2006 and played a significant role in New Zealand politics, advocating for Maori rights and environmental conservation.
Tributes poured in from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, highlighting Tuheitia’s dedication to his people and his efforts to create a better future for all in Aotearoa New Zealand.
© 2024 AFP
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