‘Devastated’: Political leaders mourn Kiingi Tuheitia

There is shock and surprise from political leaders at the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

The Māori King died this morning, with his wife and children at his bedside. The 69-year-old monarch had been recovering from heart surgery.

Acting Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters said the sad news will be felt across the country and beyond.

“Although some of us were told, ‘look things are not well with him, he's very ill,’ we still hoped for the best and sadly it did not happen.

“A lot of other people who have known about the King and followed him over decades will be deeply saddened and that will extend to the Pacific as well where there is a sort of cultural tradition to have respect for such an establishment.”

Vaovasamanaia said Tuheitia “knew how to laugh”, and was able to bring people together, regardless of their political views.

“The continuous unity of the Kingitanga, for a start, was critical under his leadership, and that is the reason why I think he will be expected to get the salutations he deserves as a consequence.”

From left, Tonga's Queen Nanasipau'u (left), Kiingi Tuheitia, and Tonga's King Tupou VI speaking to Te Makau Ariki Te Atawhai. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

Former Labour MP Aupito William Sio is in Nuku’alofa, and was shocked to hear the news.

“I’m just devastated at the moment. I'm not sure that a lot of people here in Tonga, at the Pacific Island Forum will know that, but I know that many of them are very close to him and many of them travelled with him to Fiji and to Hawai’i for the Festival of the Pacific Arts.”

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Aupito said their relationship goes back decades.

“I first met Kiingi Tuheitia way back in my Manukau City Council days. We travelled together at the death of [Samoa’s paramount chief] Malietoa Tanumafili II, and we shared some stories along the way with Sir Barry Curtis.”

Aupito said Kiingi Tuheitia’s work continued the legacy of his mother, the late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

“To provide good leadership, to listen to the people, but also to confine that leadership here to the borders of Aotearoa, but to extend it out to our whanaunga (relatives) across the Pacific Ocean, maintaining the links with the Cook Islands, with Tonga, with Sāmoa, with Tahiti and Hawai’i.

“I think he’s been on a roll on that and the leadership that he provided more recently, the call for kotahitanga and mana motuhake.”

In the past year, Kiingi Tuheitia had rallied indigenous groups to stand against government actions and included Pacific leaders in the conversation as well. Aupito said he was honoured to take part at the national unity meeting earlier this year, Te Hui aa Motu.

“That was a learning, pivotal moment with me, sitting there and listening to the kohanga reo generation and to all the elders.”

Earlier this month, Pacific leaders were invited to commemorate the 18 year anniversary of Kiingi Tuheitia’s coronation, with the King and Queen of Tonga sitting next to the royal couple at the koroneihana celebrations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it is a sad day for Aotearoa New Zealand.

"Kua riro atu ra a Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero te Tuawhitu. E Te Kiingi Māori, takoto mai I te arikitanga o te pō. Haere atu ra!

“Today, we mourn the loss of Kiingi Tuheitia. His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.

“I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna, his passion for te ao Māori, and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect. I will also remember the kindness he showed me personally whenever I met with him at Turangawaewae.”

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also commented on how Tuheitia made everyone feel welcome.

“Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne. You have been an advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice and prosperity. You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope. You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa. And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome - including me. Nga mihi nui, Kiingi. Rest easy now.”

Tuheitia is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain.

Tuheitia was the seventh Māori monarch since the movement started in 1858.