The king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died peacefully on Friday, according to his representatives. He was 69.
“The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,” spokesperson Rahui Papa said in a statement. The king had been in the hospital recovering from heart surgery just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation, the statement added. He had experienced poor health including cancer and diabetes in recent years, according to CNN affiliate RNZ.
He was crowned on August 21, 2006, following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. 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. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon led tributes to Tuheitia and said the country would mourn the king’s death.
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