Tributes have poured in for the 69-year-old king, who recently underwent heart surgery.
A statement issued by the office of the Kiingitanga said he died peacefully on Friday, accompanied by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po."The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation," the statement said.
Haunui-Thompson told RNZ she attended the tangi of his mother, Dame Te Atairangi Kahu, in 2006, and said thousands of people lined the Waikato as she was taken down the awa in a waka. "He had a great smile ... and more recently he was very strong" in uniting and mobilising Māori over government challenges to mana motuhake.
"He really led that to get all iwi together... and was really successful, there were thousands and thousands of people there, from all walks of life," she said."You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope. You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa," she said on social media.
"And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome - including me. Nga mihi nui, Kingi. Rest easy now.": Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia dies at 69 after heart surgeryKiingi Tuheitia, New Zealand's Maori king, dies at the age of 69 just days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne.
Read more »
King pair: Horne-Francis mounts new challenge for Daicos’ crownJason Horne-Francis’ rise to stardom, Hawthorn’s stunning in-season revival, the Giants’ upset of Brisbane in another bonkers round, and Craig McRae’s post-match comments are all on the agenda in round 22’s key takeouts.
Read more »
King pair: Horne-Francis mounts new challenge for Daicos’ crownJason Horne-Francis’ rise to stardom, Hawthorn’s stunning in-season revival, the Giants’ upset of Brisbane in another bonkers round, and Craig McRae’s post-match comments are all on the agenda in round 22’s key takeouts.
Read more »
King pair: Horne-Francis mounts new challenge for Daicos’ crownJason Horne-Francis’ rise to stardom, Hawthorn’s stunning in-season revival, the Giants’ upset of Brisbane in another bonkers round, and Craig McRae’s post-match comments are all on the agenda in round 22’s key takeouts.
Read more »
Tiger King director’s new series is as bonkers as you’d expectDirector Eric Goode explores the world of “monkey love” in his new documentary series - and it is wild.
Read more »
Tiger King director’s new series is as bonkers as you’d expectDirector Eric Goode explores the world of “monkey love” in his new documentary series - and it is wild.
Read more »