Kiingi Tuheitia, the revered King of New Zealand’s Māori people, has passed away at the age of 68. As the seventh monarch of the Māori royal family, Tuheitia’s leadership was marked by his relentless efforts to unify the nation’s tribes and preserve Māori culture.
Born Tūheitia Paki, he was the eldest son of the Māori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who reigned for an unprecedented 40 years. Upon her death in 2006, Tuheitia ascended to the throne under the regnal name Kiingi Tuheitia. His reign continued the monarchy’s mission, established in the 19th century to bring together New Zealand’s diverse Māori tribes and protect their heritage.
During his tenure, Kiingi Tuheitia was a prominent advocate for Māori unity and cultural preservation. He made significant strides in addressing issues such as the disproportionate rates of Māori incarceration and the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. His commitment to environmental and cultural causes was evident in his efforts to secure legal personhood for whales, reflecting their sacred status in Māori tradition.
In his 2024 statement advocating for whale conservation, Tuheitia declared, “Our mokopuna [grandchildren] deserve to inherit an ocean teeming with life, where the songs of whales continue to resonate across the vast expanse. Let this declaration be a turning point. Let us ensure the whales, our kin, our pouwhenua, continue their migrations for generations to come.”
Tributes to Kiingi Tuheitia
“Waking up with the sad news of the passing of The Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. At this difficult moment, my thoughts are with the Kingitanga family and Tainui people. May his legacy inspire us to continue to build a future as he envisioned. Rest in Peace.” — Ard van der Vorst (@ArdvanderVorst), August 29, 2024
“Feeling at a loss for words reading that Kiingi Tuheitia has died. I remember how we couldn’t stop smiling a few months ago after meeting him! Such a warm soul, and what a legacy to leave in Te Ao Māori. Moe mai rā.”