World / New Zealand Maori King Kiingi Tuheitia Dies at 69 Passed away following heart surgery days after leadership milestone By Newser.AI Read our AI policy Posted Aug 30, 2024 8:40 AM CDT Copied New Zealand Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, from left, reacts with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Turangawaewae Marae, Hamilton, New Zealand, Nov. 8, 2015. (David Rowland/Pool Photo via the AP, File) New Zealand's Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, passed away on Friday at the age of 69 following heart surgery, according to Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga. His death comes just days after marking 18 years on the throne. His leadership and vision have been central to Maori unity since he became the seventh monarch of the Kiingitanga Movement. The Kiingitanga position was established in 1858 to foster unity among New Zealand's Indigenous Maori tribes. This movement sought to halt the sale of land to non-Indigenous people, curb inter-tribal conflicts, and promote the preservation of Maori culture in the wake of British colonization. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in maintaining Maori traditions and culture, despite having a largely ceremonial position in New Zealand, where the Maori are a minority. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) < > Vatican Begins Nighttime Vigils for Pope 11 hours, 6 minutes ago CBS Debuts First Black-Led Soap Opera 11 hours, 26 minutes ago On Trial in Zambia: Witchcraft 11 hours, 55 minutes ago Wu-Tang Clan Announces Its Final Tour 11 hours, 56 minutes ago Incendiary Device Hits Russian Consulate in Marseille 15 hours, 18 minutes ago Report an error