Pacific leaders in Aotearoa and abroad have paid tribute to the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII who died yesterday, Friday, aged 69.
Kiingi Tuheitia died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday. He was recovering from heart surgery just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation, known as the Koroneihana.
Speaking to RNZ from the Pacific Islands Leaders forum on Friday, Tonga Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sioasi Sovaleni said it was very sad news.
“I’m sure that the people of Tonga feel the loss of this great leader of the Pacific,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with New Zealand.”
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said his country would be mourning the Maori king whom the Cook Islands had a close connection with.
“Memories that stick out of the Māori king is a person with such strong belief in his people, his humbleness, his humility that he carried, but also his very strong mana that he carried with him as well,” he said.
Meanwhile community leaders in Aotearoa who had attended the Koroneihana just last week expressed their sadness at his passing
“It’s very sad news for all of us, Pacific, in particular and it’s a lagecay that King Tuheitia has left by welcoming us last week,” says Teleiai Edwin Puni, chair of the Pacific Leadership Forum in Auckland.
“And now he’s passed we feel that we are now part of the Maori Kingitanga and also Maori.”
The Rev Elama Maea from the Tamaki PIC Church was also among those who attended the Koroneihana.
“It’s sad. At the same time, I feel honoured that we were invited, the Pacific people got to see King Tuheitia,” Rev Maea says.
“His passing will be felt throughout Aotearoa.”
Meanwhile the Pacific General Assembly issued a statement to pay their respects to the late King.
“It is with profound sadness that the Pacific General Assembly Council of Chiefs acknowledges the passing of His Majesty Te Ariki Nui Kiinga Tukeitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII. Our Deepest condolences are extended to the grieving whanau and all those who mourn this great loss.”
Kiingi Tuheitia is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain.
He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki.Moe mai raa
A chief who has passed to the great beyond Rest in love
