What's happened
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Maori King of New Zealand, died at 69 following heart surgery. His death has prompted tributes from leaders including King Charles III and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, highlighting his commitment to Maori culture and unity.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Independent reported that Tuheitia's death is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his people. Al Jazeera noted that the king's funeral is expected to take place next Thursday, highlighting the ceremonial aspects of the Maori monarchy. The New York Times pointed out that Tuheitia's role was largely symbolic, yet he was a unifying figure for many tribes. King Charles III expressed profound sadness, reflecting on their long friendship and Tuheitia's dedication to Maori culture.
How we got here
Kiingi Tuheitia became the seventh Maori King in 2006, succeeding his mother. The Kiingitanga movement, founded in 1858, aimed to unite Maori tribes against colonialism. His role was largely ceremonial, symbolizing Maori leadership and cultural identity.
More on these topics
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.
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Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII KStJ GCCT KCLJ, crowned as Kiingi Tūheitia, became the Māori King in New Zealand in 2006. He is the eldest son of the previous Māori monarch, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and was announced as her successor and
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Christopher Luxon is a New Zealand businessman and politician of the New Zealand National Party. He is the former chief executive officer of Air New Zealand and was elected MP for Botany in the 2020 New Zealand general election.
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
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Dame Te Atairangikaahu ONZ DBE OStJ was the Māori queen for 40 years, the longest reign of any Māori monarch. Her full name and title was Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
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The Māori King Movement, called the Kīngitanga in Māori, is a movement that arose among some of the Māori tribes of New Zealand in the central North Island in the 1850s, to establish a role similar in status to that of the monarch of the British colon