Chief justice reacts to death of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII

Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has issued a statement on the death of Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

“On behalf of the judiciary, I express my sorrow at his death and my sympathy to Te Atawhai, Te Makau Ariki, and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po”, Winkelmann said.

Kīngi Tūheitia became the the seventh Māori monarch in 2006 after his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, died. He was a key figure in Māori issues and was the representative of Te Kiingitanga at significant events like the funerals of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga in 2006 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as well as the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London in 2023.

He died in hospital at 69 while in recovery from heart surgery, reported the NZ Herald. He had just celebrated his coronation’s 18th anniversary.

Winkelmann highlighted 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”, she said.

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters offered condolences on the government’s behalf, while Tauranga iwi also paid tribute. Kīngi Tūheitia’s burial is set to take place next week, and a new monarch will be elected on the tangi’s last day, according to the Herald.