Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters is paying tribute to Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, following his death this morning at age 69.
Peters has publicly expressed the Government’s condolences following Tūheitia’s passing.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of the King, and we express sympathies and prayers to the Kingitanga family and Tainui people,” he says.
“Kīngi Tūheitia had served and provided leadership to Kingitanga for just over 18 years.
“The news is especially saddening having only recently marked the Koroneihana celebrations at Turangawaewae.”
The Maori King had been in hospital following heart surgery.
