Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII dead at 69!

Published on September 1, 2024 | Published By: shahid | In Death

The Māori king of New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII is no more. He died a peaceful death at his home at the age of 69.

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Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII expires

The Māori king of New Zealand, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII expired on 30 August 2024. He was just 69 years old at the time of his death.

Reports state that the king’s death came peacefully. His wife and three children were with him when he died. His death came around a week after his eighteenth koroneihana (18th coronation anniversary). On Friday morning local time, The Kiingitanga, or Māori king movement, made an announcement about his death.

The spokesperson, Rahui Papa told that the king had a cardiac surgery and was recuperating from it:

“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,”
“A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”

Birth and Early life of the King

The king, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII was born on 21 April 1955 in Huntly, a town in the North Island of New Zealand. His parents were Whatumoana Paki (born 1926, died 2011) and Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (born 1931, died 2006). His parents wed in 1952.

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The king had six siblings: five sisters [Heeni Katipa (née Paki), Tomairangi Paki, Mihi ki te ao Paki, Kiki Solomon (née Paki), and Manawa Clarkson (née Paki)] and one brother, Maharaia Paki.

Tuheitia first studied at the Rakaumanga School located in Huntly. Later, he went to the Southwell School in Hamilton and subsequently joined St. Stephen’s College (Te Kura o Tipene) in Bombay, south of Auckland.

After the death of his mother in 2006, Tuheitia was crowned king. She had ruled from 1966 to 2006. Tuheitia was the seventh monarch of the Māori tribe.

Tuheitia’s reign and family

Like his mother, King Tuheitia had worked ceaselessly for the tribe. He had called them to unite for their own good. He was against the policies that went against them in the country. The king had said:

“Let’s keep pushing forward while we are currently facing a storm, there’s no need to worry. In this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is kotahitanga [unity], and with that we will reach our destination.”

Tuheitia’s wife is Te Atawhai, who holds the title of Makau Ariki. The couple has three children together: Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po.

Leaders within the community will now choose his successor after his funeral rites are completed.

The king’s body will lie in state for five days at the Turangawaewae Marae, the seat of the Māori king. After that, it will be taken for burial to the Taupiri Mountain.

The current prime minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon wrote on his social media:

“His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.”

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