Passing of Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII

Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Maori King of New Zealand, passed away at 69 following heart surgery. His death came shortly after marking his 18th year on the throne. The Kiingitanga movement, established in 1858, aims to preserve Maori culture and unite the tribes.

New Zealand's Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died on Friday at the age of 69, just days after celebrating his 18th year on the throne.

According to Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga, the Maori King Movement, Tuheitia passed away in hospital following heart surgery. The announcement was made in a post on Instagram.

As the seventh monarch of the Kiingitanga, Tuheitia's position has been instrumental since its establishment in 1858, aimed at uniting all of New Zealand's Indigenous Maori tribes under the leadership of Pootatau Te Wherowhero. The movement's primary objectives included halting land sales to non-Indigenous people, ceasing inter-tribal warfare, and preserving Maori culture amidst British colonization, according to the Waikato-Tainui tribe website.

Although ceremonial, the role of the Maori King holds significant importance in New Zealand, where Maori remain a minority.

(With inputs from agencies.)