Māori King Tūheitia live updates: Tributes flow after leader’s death at age 69
Māoridom is mourning the death of Kiingi Tūheitia, who died this morning aged 69, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po.
The Māori monarch had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
“The death of Kiingi Tūheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom and the entire nation,” Rahui Papa, a Kingitanga spokesman, said.
“He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki. Moe mai raa - A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”
STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE LIVE BLOG
Kiingi Tuheitia's death makes news overseas
Scott Palmer
The death of Kiingi Tuheitia has been making news overseas with organisations such as Time Magazine, the New York Times, Argentina's La Nacion, and The Guardian each reporting on his death.
The Guardian said "the death of Kiingi Tuheitia landed heavily on the hearts of Māori and many New Zealanders, who credit him for reigniting hope in a tumultuous time for indigenous rights".
Helen Clark pays tribute
Scott Palmer
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark told One News that “when the king calls, the people go”.
She was Prime Minister in 2006 when Kiingi Tuheitia ascended the throne following the death of his mother.
“She reigned for 40 years so it was always going to be a hard act to follow,” Clark said.
“Her son was a very humble man, but also made his mark.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told One News that Kiingi Tuheitia appreciated people had lots of different views.
“He was always trying to pull it together and that was a great mark of respect.”
Defence Force pays tribute
Scott Palmer
The NZ Defence Force acknowledges the passing of the Māori King with great sadness.
"Kiingi Tuheitia has advocated for unity within Māori and in his desire for Māori and non-Māori to work on building a way of life together," it posted to Facebook.
"The seventh Māori Monarch will lay in state at Turangawaewae Marae with his funeral planned mid next week.
"Kiingi Tuheitia has previously served with the New Zealand Army in the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery for the period of 1974-1976 and is the Ship Sponsor for HMNZS Te Mana.
"E iti noa ana, nā te aroha."
Road closures in preparation of tangihanga
Julia Gabel
Waikato District Council has announced road closures as the region prepares for the tangihanga of Kiingi Tūheitia.
River Rd, outside Turangawaewae Marae, will be closed with detours in place.
Roadworks on Great South Rd in Ngāruawāhia will be put on hold for the week and re-opened to two-way traffic from Tuesday.
The burial will be held at the Taupiri Urupaa, Thursday 5 September:
- Great South RD outside Taupiri urupā will be fully closed for the burial service between 9am and 4pm (times subject to change).
Full details are available on the council's website.
Tama Potaka: "Symbol of unity, resilience"
Julia Gabel
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says Kīngi Tūheitia was dedicated to the advancement of Māori, New Zealanders, Pacific peoples and indigenous peoples worldwide.
"Kīngi Tūheitia was at the forefront of kaupapa Māori, representing te ao Māori and the Kīngitanga with mana and humility.
"Kīngi Tūheitia also represented Aotearoa at significant global events like the coronation of King Charles III and most recently the Paris Olympics 2024."
"Kīngi Tūheitia and the Kīngitanga represent a crucial part of our national, Pacific and global identity.
"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."
People gather at Tūrangawaewae Marae
Julia Gabel
Sky Tower lights to be turned off
Julia Gabel
A SkyCity spokesperson said the lights of the Sky Tower would be turned off tonight to mark the passing of Kiingi Tūheitia.
Waikato Regional Summit postponed
Julia Gabel
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has postponed the Waikato Regional Summit out of respect for Kīngi Tūheitia.
“I join the many voices already that have expressed sorrow at this news and offer my condolences and aroha to Kiingi Tuuheitia’s whānau, the Kiingitanga movement and Tainui," Jones said.
“Many local leaders had committed to attending the Waikato Regional Growth Summit I was to host next Tuesday ( September 3) but the focus is now, quite rightly, on remembering Te Kiingi and planning for his tangihanga.
“I have decided to reschedule the summit out of respect for this, and to ensure Tainui and the wider Māori community have their views heard at this important regional discussion."
Chief Justice: A "remarkable reign"
Julia Gabel
On behalf of the New Zealand judiciary, Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann expressed her sorrow at the passing of the Kiingi.
"I acknowledge his extraordinary service to Tainui and Māori.
"While his passing is an occasion for sadness, that he recently marked the Koroneihana celebrations at Tūrangawaewae is a reason to celebrate his remarkable reign.”
Wayne Brown: Māori King "a guiding light"
Julia Gabel
Mayor Wayne Brown extended his “deepest condolences” to the people of Waikato-Tainui and the Kīīngitanga following the passing of the Māori King.
"Kiingi Tuuheitia was a respected leader and steadfast advocate for iwi Māori and he has made significant contributions to the well-being and advancement of Māori across the motu and in Tāmaki Makaurau over the past 18 years."
Brown said the Kiingi Tuheitia had left as “indelible mark” on the city and provided “unwavering support” for building strong relationships between Taamaki Makaurau mana whenua and the many Māori communities that lived in the city.
“Kiingi Tuuheitia was a leader of immense mana, whose dedication to the people of Taamaki Makaurau and his iwi Waikato-Tainui has been a guiding light for us all.
“His legacy will continue to inspire us in our work with mana whenua, Māori communities and the broader community.”
Pacific leaders: "This is devastating news for us”
Julia Gabel
Leaders of the Pacific have also paid tribute to the Māori King. Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovalenitold RNZ Pacific Kīngi Tūheitia was a “great leader of the Pacific,” and his thoughts and prayers were with New Zealand.
Cooks Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he would remember the King’s humbleness, humility and “the very strong mana that he carried with him.” Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa told RNZ Pacific he thought the “whole of the Pacific” would mourn the leader’s passing.
“This is devastating news for us.”
Jim Bolger: “Gentleman’s gentleman”
Julia Gabel
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger told the Herald Kiingi Tūheitia was a “gentleman’s gentleman” who worked hard behind the scenes on the first Treaty settlement negotiated directly between an iwi and the Crown which was signed in 1995, during Bolger’s premiership.
“He was involved behind the scenes. We had a lot of discussions with Tainui… they had the courage to go first”.
Bolger said Tūheitia was a “very decent person” who was “very loyal to his iwi.”
“He brought his own unique style and personality. He was very supportive and helpful."
Traffic around marae slows to crawl
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Traffic has slowed to a crawl outside Turangawaewae Marae as mourners pack the street to pay their respects to Kiingi Tūheitia.
The doors to the marae opened after 1.30pm as Waikato iwi gathered for a powhiri before entering.
Wardens are directing motorists around the queues of mourners.
Whakaata Māori pays tribute
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Papā te whaititiri, hihiko te uira
Whakaheke ana mai ki runga o Taupiri
Mōu, e te Kiingi, kua riro nei
Whakatika rawa koe mā runga i tō waka
I ngā wai katokato o tō awa
Kia tatū ake koe ki te roro o tō whare, o Maahinaarangi
Ki te tūrangawaewae o te rāngai ariki i te pō
Kia marū ake tō papa i ngā roimata o te ao Māori
E te Kiingi, tīraha mai rā, tīraha mai rā!
Whakaata Māori has extended heartfelt condolences to the whānau of Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII on his passing.
Kaihautū Shane Taurima said the Māori king's passing will profoundly impact the entire country.
“He will be remembered as a unifying pou, around which Māori could gather to build consensus on key kaupapa,” says Shane Taurima.
Kiingi Tūheitia had brought te ao Māori together in a call of Kotahitanga at the Hui-ā Motu at Tūrangawaewae marae in January, he said. Over 10,000 presented a united front to challenge the government proposals around Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori.
“The mass attendance from te ao Māori at that gathering reflected the significant influence of the Kiingitanga across our communities.”
“And now, once again, we are called back to Tūrangawaewae. The nation will come together to mourn his loss, share our condolences and to remember his late mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, his father the late Whatumoana Paki, his grandfather the late Kiingi Koroki and all those who came before them.”
Chlöe Swarbrick: Kiingi Tūheitia had a deep passion for the planet
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Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said his legacy “was unity, kindness, and truly listening to understand”.
He had a deep passion for the planet “and all who live on it, from our tamariki to the creatures and our oceans and our forests, was palpable”, Swarbrick said.
She spoke about attending the annual Koroneihana (coronation anniversary celebration) at Tūrangawaewae last week and meeting with him and his wife.
“We were talking about their experience over in Europe with the Olympics and just how special and profound that experience was to have Te Ao Māori on the international stage and also to be something that so many people recognised us for as a real point of difference and something to celebrate as well.”
Members of the Greens also plan to go to the marae to pay their respects.
Chris Hipkins: Kiingi Tūheitia a positive and unifying voice
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In a media briefing this afternoon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins acknowledged “the sad passing” Kiingi Tūheitia and “the huge contribution he has made to Aotearoa New Zealand”.
The former Prime Minister mentioned that the pair travelled to London last year to attend the coronation of King Charles. Hipkins said there’s a lot of waiting and time to chat in those types of events.
“We were able to talk a lot about the vision that he had for Māori and New Zealand, his commitment to bringing people together,” Hipkins said.
Kiingi Tūheitia had a real interest in the wellbeing of children, the Labour leader said.
“He has had a real focus in bringing New Zealanders together, a real focus on unity in New Zealand. He has been concerned about the divisiveness around some of the language around Māori.”
Kiingi Tūheitia was a positive and unifying voice in that debate, Hipkins said.
He said the relationship between the Crown and the Kiingitanga was significant.
Hipkins said Labour team members would attend the tangi, but was awaiting further details. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has also shown interest in attending, Hipkins said, while Dame Jacinda Ardern is not in the country.
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Ngāti Porou iwi leader Sir (ta) Selwyn Parata, says Tairāwhiti iwi join with the motu in expressing their heartfelt sadness and grief at the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero.
Over the past 18 years, Ta Selwyn said Kīngi Tūheitia established his leadership brand.
“He was quiet, humble and a staunch advocate for Kotahitanga, the unity of te ao Māori, and mana motuhake, the expressed right and authority of iwi and hapu over their taonga, their uri, whenua, moana, reo me ona tikanga,” Ta Selwyn said.
Ta Selwyn is a supporter and practitioner of Te Kotahitanga and followed in the footsteps of his elders and attended the annual Koroneihana celebrations, to acknowledge the role of Kiingitanga in being “the needle to weave Māoridom and iwi across the motu together”.
“I was close to Tūheitia, we were both Tipene old boys, enjoyed haka, sports and being together to celebrate the many triumphs of te iwi Māori, while working to resolve the challenges that have confronted our people, and today those challenges are coming at us, fast and furious”, said Ta Selwyn.
“Kīngi Tūheitia was the Patron of Te Matatini; as a previous performer for Taniwharau, he had a great appreciation and love of kapahaka, and I will miss his quiet but enthusiastic presence at the biannual Te Matatini festival,” he said.
Sir Selwyn Parata is working with other Tairawhiti Iwi, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and leaders from across Tairāwhiti to attend the tangi and funeral for Kīngi Tūheitia next week.
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PM live address:
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KĪngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII was leaving a "fantastic legacy".
"He was someone who tried to pull everyone together ... Māori and non-Māori."
Luxon said the pair had talked a lot about Māori and how outcomes for Māori could be lifted.
"Today is about remembering him," Luxon said.
PM live address
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"Our thoughts are with Tainui today, with the Kiingitanga ... and his whanau," PM Christopher Luxon said.
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Rotorua councillor Trevor Maxwell pays tribute
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Rotorua Lakes Councillor Trevor Maxwell (Ngāti Rangiwewehi) described Kiingi Tūheitia as a "beautiful, gentle soul".
"I'm just so pleased two weekends ago we went up to celebrate his 18th coronation anniversary in Ngāruawāhia."About 70 people in the Ngāti Rangiwewehi cultural group was among "many others" who performed, he said. Waikato kapa haka Taniwharau celebrated 50 years at the same time. Maxwell said it was through cultural performance their friendship grew, and remembered watching the group at the 1981 Te Matatini, which included Kīngi Tūheitia.
"He was a good cultural performer."
Maxwell said he was aware Kīngi Tūheitia was "going in for a bit of heart surgery", and while he prayed and hope it would be okay, he was now confronted with the sad news."My heart goes out to his dear wife Te Atawhai and their children and mokopuna."
I was quite stunned when I heard the news this morning. He really did care about our people and took up the role. A gentle humble soul."
We are all deeply saddened by his passing.
"He was glad to have caught up with him and his family recently, including at a dinner before the coronation anniversary celebrations.
"We could smile and catch up on the good old days."Maxwell said Te Arawa was connected to Tainui through Ngāti Pikiao - the "link to the Kiingitanga".
Ngāti Pikiao welcomed Kiingi Tūheitia to Rotorua during his first official visit outside of his rohe in 2006.
NZ Olympic Committe
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The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) is mourning the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, expressing deep condolences to his wife Te Makau Ariki, their children, mokopuna, and the wider Kīngitanga movement.
In a statement, the committee said Kīngi Tūheitia played a significant role in the NZOC’s journey into te ao Māori, continuing the legacy of his mother, the late Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
In April this year, he blessed and bestowed his mauri into the second Olympic kākahu, Te Hono ki Matariki, marking a historic moment for Te Whare o Pou Tangata during their first visit to Tūrangawaewae Marae.
Earlier this month, Kīngi Tūheitia and his whānau made history as the first royal representatives of te ao Māori to attend an Olympic Games, inspiring the New Zealand Team in Paris.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia,” said NZOC President Liz Dawson. “We are extremely thankful for the time he gifted to all of us.”
NZOC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon added, “Kīngi Tūheitia’s presence and calls for unity left a mark on each of us. We extend our condolences to his whānau and acknowledge the legacy and mana he leaves behind.”
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Kīngi Tūheita's mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu (23 July 1931 – 15 August 2006), served as the Māori Queen for 40 years, the longest reign of any Māori monarch.
Her full name and title were Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. The title Te Arikinui (Paramount Chief) and Te Atairangikaahu (Hawk of the Morning Sky) were bestowed upon her when she became monarch.
Before her ascension, she was known as Princess Piki Mahuta, and after marriage, as Princess Piki Paki.
Her full whakapapa (lineage) name, connecting her to previous Māori monarchs, was Te Atairangikaahu Korokī Te Rata Mahuta Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero.
Hui-ā-motu was a wonderful demonstration of kotahitanga and unity, says Lady Tureiti Moxon.
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Opinion: Māori heard, they came, they spoke.
Man of great wisdom - Lady Tureiti Moxon
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Lady Tureiti Moxon, MD of Te Kōhao Health and Chair of the National Urban Māori Authority, expressed sadness at Kīngi Tuheitia's passing.
She said he was a man of vision and wisdom for his people, culminating in issuing an unprecedented royal proclamation that triggered the gathering of 10,000 people at Tūrangawaewae for Hui-ā-motu in January.
"He called the people to unity over the anti-Māori policies and anti-Māori stance of the coalition government. We all heard his call and went to tautoko– all proud to be Māori."
Tribute from Ngāti Porou chair Patrick Tangaere
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Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou chairperson Patrick Tangaere has described the day as a sad one for Māori.
“We have lost another great Māori leader. He called upon te ao Māori at the Hui-a-Motu and reignited the call for kotahitanga. It was good that he did that,” he said.
Tangaere, alongside a contingent of Ngāti Porou, will attend the tangi to pay their respects.
Ngāti Porou and Kīngitanga share a deep connection through whakapapa, tracing their lineage from Porourangi down to Māhina-a-rangi, a link famously expressed in the song composed by Henare Waitoa in 1962.
Māhina-a-rangi, who married the Tainui chief Tūrongo, further connected Ngāti Porou to Tainui. This connection is symbolised by the Māhina-a-rangi meeting house at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia. Built in 1929, the meeting house was named by Sir Apirana Ngata at the suggestion of Te Puea Herangi, in recognition of the enduring bond between Tainui and Ngāti Porou
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Mourners arriving at Tūrangawaewae to pay their respects.
PSA expresses condolences
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The Public Service Association (PSA) has expressed its condolences to the Kīngitanga and Te Whare Ariki following the death of Kīngi Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu.
The PSA, which represents 11,000 Māori members, praised Kīngi Tūheitia for his leadership in advocating for Māori and promoting unity.
PSA Te Kaihautū Māori, Janice Panoho, thanked Kīngi Tūheitia for providing a voice of reason and unity when it was needed. Lesley Dixon, PSA Vice President Māori, described the loss of Kīngi Tūheitia as a sad time for Māoridom and acknowledged him as a great leader.
Kīngi Tūheitia played a significant role in uniting people through kotahitanga.
The PSA's message of condolence comes as Aotearoa mourns the passing of the esteemed leader.
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New Zealand flag at half-mast to mark the death of Kiingi Tūheitia
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The New Zealand Flag is to be flown at half-mast on all Government and public buildings, effective immediately, to mark the death of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII.
The half-masting notice has been made by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Paul Goldsmith, under the Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981.
The flag should be flown at half-mast until further notice is given about returning the flag to full mast once the details of the lying in rest and tangihanga are confirmed.
This instruction applies to all government departments, buildings, and naval vessels with flag poles, which normally fly the New Zealand Flag.
The flag is half-masted by raising it to the top of the mast and slowly lowering it to the half-mast position.
The half-mast position will depend on the flag's size and the flagpole's length. The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably "half-mast" to avoid the appearance of a flag that accidentally falls away from the top of the flagpole. As a guide, the flag should be more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole.
For more information about half-masting the flag, visit the Ministry's website.
Vera Alves
Media Statement from the Labour Party
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Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi
Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō
Nāu te iwi Māori I arahi ki roto I nga whakawhiu o te wā
Nāu ano te motu whānui I tiakina ki roto I ōna kaupapa maha
Kua tutuki o mahi katoa
Koutou o te Pō ki a koutou
Tātou o te ao kikokiko tēnā tātou
It is with deep sadness that we have received news of the passing of Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII.It was just over a week ago that we celebrated Koroneihana.
In his annual address, Kiingi Tūheitia called for unity and highlighted the significance of kotahitanga.
Rather than focusing on anger at the government, he said “we need to focus on getting in the waka and working together.”
Kiingi Tūheitia has been instrumental in leading the call for unification, hosting a series of hui at Tūrangawaewae Marae and then travelling the motu to various hui taumata to discuss the issues important to the future prosperity of Māori.
In recent weeks the King attended the Olympic games in Paris to support our athletes and bless their newly made korowai for the New Zealand flag bearers.
Tūheitia was the first Māori monarch to attend the Olympics representing Māori on the world stage.Behind and always supporting the King is his whānau. Kiingi Tūheitia was also a father, uncle, brother and koro. We acknowledge and send our aroha to his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po during this difficult time.“Kiingi Tuheitia was a fierce and staunch advocate, voice and leader, not only for Māoridom but for a better and more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
His commitment to the kaupapa was fearless and unwavering — that’s his legacy that we’ll all remember fondly,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the service, manakitanga, leadership and unwavering dedication of Kiingi Tuheitia to te ao Māori and join with others in mourning what is indeed a significant loss to our nation,” Chris Hipkins said.
From Wellington mayor Tory Whanau
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Ngāti Ranginui Iwi chairman Charlie Rahiri said he was "deeply saddened" by Kiingi Tūheitia's death and had spent time with him only two weeks ago.
He said the iwi's relationship with Waikato-Tainui pre-dated the establishment of the Kīngitanga.
"We were part of the establishment and have been loyal to the kaupapa or the Kīngitanga ever since its establishment in 1858."
Rahiri said the annual Poukai event at Huria Marae was a "reinforcement of that close bond and relationship".
"We're one of the only places outside of Tainui that host that event - the annual Poukai where the King did his pilgrimage around Waikato in the first instance and Tainui, but also to Tauranga." Rahiri said the iwi would be sending a delegation to the tangihanga.
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Media Release from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor-General The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro’s statement on the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII"
Papa te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu i te rangi, te whetu ki raro ra, rū ana te whenua, au, au, aue te mamae.
He kura i tangihia, he maimai aroha, mou, kua riro ki te kāpunipunitanga o te tangata. Waiho mai mātou ki muri nei, tangi ai, haku ai, mōteatea ai i a koutou i kahakina e ngā ringa o te pō.Haere atu rā, haere atu rā, moe mai rā, e te Kiingi, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII.
The thunder crashes, the lightning flashes, it illuminates the heavens, and hammers downward. The land is forever shaking.T
he sadness within is palpable at the hearing of your passing. We are left bereft, in the knowledge that you have returned to the ancestors.
Farewell e te Ariki nui, Kiingi Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII.It was with great sorrow that I received the news of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.
All Waikato-Tainui and Kingitanga will be mourning the passing of their leader, and his loss will be felt across Māoridom and the wider Pacific.Kiingi Tuheitia built on the mahi of his forebears, advocating for Waikato-Tainui and promoting peace and unity. He inspired iwi Māori to hold fast to our identity and take pride in our reo.My husband Richard and I will treasure our memories of the time we spent with Kiingi Tuheitia and Te Makau Ariki, at Waitangi and at the Coronation of King Charles III in London.On behalf of all New Zealanders, I extend sincere condolences to Te Makau Ariki, Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngā Wai Hono I Te Po."
A tribute from King Charles
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Turangawaewae update
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The flags commemorating Kīngi Tuheitia's coronation have been taken down.
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Across from Turangawaewae Marae a 15-metre marquee is being set up. A steady stream of guests, all in black has been coming and going through the marae gates. Most of the carparks in sight of the marae have been taken.
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Ngai Tamarawaho representative Buddy Mikaere said it was a "sad day" for the Māori community in general.
"But particularly here in Tauranga, where we have very close ties to the Kīngitanga and have had since the inception of the whole Kīngitanga movement."
Mikaere said Kīngi Tūheitia had been a "good supporter of initiatives" in Tauranga and had been good at drawing together the Māori perspective on various issues. The recent "taking to task" of some of the Government's proposed policies was one example, he said.
"He will be missed because of that ...Mikaere said Kīngi Tūheitia would also be missed for his contribution to the country." A kind, very generous, very affable, wonderful man in my few encounters with him, anyway."
Mikaere said there would probably be arrangements for a big contingent of people from Tauranga to attend the tangi.
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The Kīngitanga Movement explained
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The Kīngitanga Movement explained - from Kīngitanga - Waikato-Tainui
The King Movement is the unifying korowai of Māori. Kīngitanga was established in 1858 to unite all tribes under the leadership of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. Its primary goals were to cease the sale of land to Pākehā, stop inter-tribal warfare, and provide a springboard for the preservation of Māori culture in the face of Pākehā colonisation. As it has done for the past 160 years, the role of Kīngitanga will still be the unifying thread of all Iwi, under the seventh monarch, Kīngi Tuheitia.
Strategic objectives
1. To retain our historical role as Kaitiaki o te Kiingitanga
2. To ensure Kiingitanga remains an eternal symbol of unity
Māori Monarchy
King Potatau Te Wherowhero
May 1858 – June 1860
King Tawhiao Matutaera Te Pukepuke
Tukaroto Te-a-Potatau Te Wherowhero
July 1860 – August 1894
King Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau Te Wherowhero
September 1894 – November 1910
King Te Rata Tawhiao Potatau Te Wherowhero
November 1912 – October 1933
King Koroki Tawhiao Potatau Te Wherowhero
October 1933 – May 1966
Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu
May 1966 – August 2006
King Tuheitia
August 2006 - August 2024
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At last week's Koroneihana celebrations, Kīngi Tūheitia highlighted the importance of kotahitanga (unity) among Māori and the wider community.
“Our kotahitanga shouldn’t be focused on fighting against the Government. Instead, we need to focus on getting in the waka and working together. Mana motuhake has room for everyone!” Read More
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Tribute from Rotorua mayor
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Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell said the community was "deeply saddened" by the news. Tapsell said the Rotorua community acknowledged the leadership Kīngi Tūheitia provided Māori and and the wider country. "Kīngi Tūheitia was solutions focused and in recent divisive times encouraged unity." His compassion and care towards others will continue to be the legacy he was known and respected for."
Green Party Media Release
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Green Party pays respects to Kīngi Tūheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII after he passed away earlier this morning. “Kīngi Tūheitia put kotahitanga on the national agenda, as our guiding star, to build the country we all deserve,” says Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “ legacy is one of unity, kindness and truly listening to understand. Kīngi Tūheitia’s ability to deliver incisive, unapologetic, profound truths on open hearts and ears was a testament to how he navigated the world and embodied tino rangatiratanga.
His deep passion for this planet and all who lived on it - from our tamariki to the creatures in our oceans and forests - was palpable.“Only last week, at the 18th anniversary of his coronation, people from across the land and oceans gathered at Turangawaewae to pay their respects and weave our collective potential.“Kīngi Tūheitia saw the nation we could be, and invited us all to live up to it. Our love and thoughts are with his dear wife, Makau Ariki, whānau, Tainui Waka and the entire nation in mourning.
“Moe mai rā, e te rangatira. We all must continue to mahitahi in your legacy,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.
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British High Commissioner to New Zealand Iona Thomas has paid tribute to Kīngi Tūheitia, describing him as "a man of great kindness and dedicated to peace".
"Saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, a man of great kindness and dedicated to peace."I express my greatest sympathies to his whānau and all who are mourning the Māori King."
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Vera Alves
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Kīngitanga’s chief of staff Ngira Simmonds told 1news he had just finished his 18th coronation celebration when he went in for a scheduled operation. He said he passed away “peacefully” early this morning, surrounded by his wife of 40 years and his children. Simmonds said he would miss his love for music and the community the most. He said he was a man who would “never displace an important event” and always prioritise family. Simmonds said it was important to Tūheitia that his presence was felt across the motu. “ think what he will leave behind for this nation at large was his strong belief for unity, that unity is the best way forward for us as a nation.”
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Cars are already starting to line River Rd as mourners in black gather in Ngāruawāhia to mark Kīngi Tūheitia's passing. The banners from the recent coronation anniversary celebrations line the street.
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Statement from the PM
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Kua riro atu ra a Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu. E Te Kiingi Māori, takoto mai I te arikitanga o te pō. Haere atu ra!
Today, we mourn the loss of Kīngi Tūheitia. 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. I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna, his passion for te ao Māori, and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect. I will also remember the kindness he showed me personally whenever I met with him at Turangawaewae.
Government’s condolences on passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau
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Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has expressed the Government’s condolences on the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. “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. “Kīngi Tūheitia had served and provided leadership to Kingitanga for just over 18 years. “ news is especially saddening having only recently marked the Koroneihana celebrations at Turangawaewae,” Mr Peters says.
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Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says it's a "very sad day" with the passing of KĪngi Tuheitia. Speaking to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning, he said the KĪngitanga movement would be "in bereavement" as would many people who were not part of the movement but respected its establishment.
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Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has posted a tribute to the late King on Instagram.
Māori King Tūheitia dies aged 69
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Kiingi Tūheitia has died, aged 69, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
He died “peacefully” this morning, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngawai Hono I Te Po, a statement issued by the office of the Kiingitanga said.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in Tonga for the Pacific Islands forum was deeply saddened by the news.
He had met with Kingi Tūheitia just last week.
“Kua riro atu ra a Kiingi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu. E Te Kiingi Māori, takoto mai I te arikitanga o te pō. Haere atu ra!
“Today, we mourn the loss of Kiingi Tūheitia. 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,” Luxon said.
“I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna, his passion for te ao Māori, and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect. I will also remember the kindness he showed me personally whenever I met with him at Tūrangawaewae.”
Speaking to media in Tonga just before 1pm, Luxon said Kiingi Tuheitia was leaving a “fantastic legacy”.
“He was always respectful and he had a likeness about him that was appreciated by all.
“He was someone who tried to pull everyone together ... Māori and non-Māori.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said: Having just celebrated the 18th anniversary of his Coronation. Kiingi Tuheitia was a fierce and staunch advocate, voice and leader, not only for Māoridom but for a better and more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
“His commitment to the kaupapa was fearless and unwavering — that’s his legacy that we’ll all remember fondly.
“Haere ki o tūpuna, okioki tahi ki ōu mātua.,” Hipkins shared on social media.
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted a tribute to the late King on Instagram.
“Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, Kingi. You have been an advocate for Māori, for fairness, justice and prosperity,” she wrote.
“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. And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome - including me. Nga mihi nui, Kingi. Rest easy now.”
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said many people respected the Kingitanga.
“It is a terribly sad day and he was not old at 69,” Peters said.
Act Leader David Seymour also passed on his condolences.
“On behalf of the Act Party, I express my sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Kingi Tūheitia Pootatu Te Wherewhero VII. Our thoughts are with you,” Seymour said.
Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere said Kiingi Tūheitia was an inspiration to Māori.
“The Kīngitanga in our people’s darkest moments gave us light and hope.
“It is a Māori movement that never surrendered its mana.
“The passing of Kingi Tūheitia is deeply regretted. Each of the holders of this great office brought their own sense of leadership.
“Tuheitia understood the working class. He was not brought up with bells and whistles. He had that common man’s touch and a wonderful sense of humour. We will miss that. But the movement lives on forever. Long live the Kīngitanga.”
Kiingi Tūheitia’s chief of staff, Archdeacon Ngira Simmonds, said Tūheitia used his position for the good of Māori and was at the forefront of Māori political issues.
Simmonds said he would miss Tūheitia’s love for music and the community the most. He said he was a man who would “never displace an important event” and always prioritise family.
Simmonds said it was important to Tūheitia that his presence was felt across the motu.
“I think what he will leave behind for this nation at large was his strong belief for unity, that unity is the best way forward for us as a nation.”
“It is expected that Kiingi Tūheitia will lie in state at Tūrangawaewae Marae for five days before he is taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain.”
Tūheitia was born in Huntly in April 1955.
He succeeded his mother, Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, in 2006 and became the seventh Māori monarch since the movement’s foundation in 1858.
He has been at the forefront of Māori issues and represented the Kiingitanga at a number of events over the years, including the funeral of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga in 2006 and the coronation of King Charles III in London in 2023.