The king of New Zealand\u2019s indigenous M\u0101ori people, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died peacefully on Friday, according to his representatives. He was 69. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,\u201d spokesperson Rahui Papa said in a statement. <\/p>\n
The position of M\u0101ori monarch originated in 1858 during a movement known as Kiingitanga that aimed to strengthen indigenous resistance to colonialism. Considered the chief of several tribes, the monarch does not have judicial or legal authority but plays an important ceremonial role. <\/p>\n
The M\u0101ori community, which accounts for nearly a fifth of New Zealand\u2019s more than 5 million population, often faces discrimination that results in poorer health and education outcomes and higher rates of incarceration. <\/p>\n
In January, Tuheitia hosted more than 10,000 M\u0101ori for talks on how to respond to government plans to cancel reforms that were seen by many indigenous people as undermining their rights, Reuters reported at the time. <\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s right-wing government has proposed dissolving the country\u2019s M\u0101ori Health Authority, rolling back the use of the M\u0101ori language and ending limits on tobacco sales \u2013 a move M\u0101ori leaders had sought to cut high rates of smoking in their community. <\/p>\n
Born Tuheitia Paki in 1955 in the North Island town of Huntly, the king was educated in Waikato and Auckland. <\/p>\n
He was crowned on August 21, 2006, following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. <\/p>\n
Tuheitia will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, headquarters of the Kiingitanga, for five days before being taken to his final resting place on the sacred burial site of Mount Taupiri. <\/p>\n
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon led tributes to Tuheitia and said the country would mourn the king\u2019s death. <\/p>\n
\u201cHis unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation,\u201d he said in a statement. <\/p>\n
Former Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern described Tuheitia as an advocate for M\u0101ori people, as well as for fairness, justice and prosperity. <\/p>\n
Britain\u2019s King Charles said in a statement he and Queen Camilla were \u201cprofoundly saddened\u201d to learn of Tuheitia\u2019s death and referenced a Maori proverb, saying \u201ca mighty Totora tree has fallen.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades,\u201d Charles said. \u201cHe was deeply committed to forging a strong future for M\u0101ori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion.\u201d <\/p>\n
Tuheitia is survived by his wife, Te Atawhai, their two sons, Whatumoana and Korotangi, and daughter, Ng\u0101 Wai hono i te po Paki, according to RNZ. <\/p>\n
The position of M\u0101ori monarch is not hereditary by right, RNZ reported. Leaders of the tribes associated with the Kiingitanga appoint a new monarch on the day of the previous monarch\u2019s funeral and before burial. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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