Acting Prime Minister, Winston Peters, has expressed the Government’s condolences on the passing of Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, aged 69.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of the King, and we express sympathies and prayers to the Kingitanga family and Tainui people,” said Mr Peters.
“Kīngi Tūheitia had served and provided leadership to Kingitanga for just over 18 years.
“The news is especially saddening having only recently marked the Koroneihana celebrations at Turangawaewae,” he said.
Kiingi Tuheitia succeeded his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, following her death in 2006. He was the seventh of the line of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero to head the Kiingitanga, which was founded in 1858.
“Kīngi Tuheitia was at the forefront of kaupapa Māori, representing te ao Māori and the Kīngitanga with mana and humility. Kīngi Tuheitia also represented Aotearoa at significant global events like the coronation of King Charles III and most recently the Paris Olympics 2024. Kīngi Tuheitia and the Kīngitanga represent a crucial part of our national, Pacific and global identity,” said Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka.
“I acknowledge the significant contributions of Kīngi Tuheitia – particularly in bringing Māori and the Government together and his role as patron of Te Matatini and Te Kōhanga Reo amongst other kaupapa.
“I offer my sincere condolences and thoughts to the Kīngitanga, the Kāhui Ariki and Tainui at this time. As sad as his passing is for Māori and all of Aotearoa, we also celebrate his leadership and legacy he has left on our nation.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi has also today expressed its sadness at his passing.
It said Kiingi Tuheitia had been instrumental in advocating for Māori in uniting people through kotahitanga.
“The PSA, including its 11,000 Māori members, acknowledge with gratitude the leadership role played by Kiingi Tuheitia in providing a voice of reason and unity at time when these attributes were sorely needed,” said PSA Te Kaihautū Māori, Janice Panoho.
“Aotearoa has lost a great and wise leader,” she said.
“’Kua hinga he tōtara i te wao nui a Tane’ It is a sad time for Māoridom as we acknowledge the loss of one of our great leaders,” said PSA Vice President Māori, Lesley Dixon.
