Tūheitia

Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, born Tūheitia Paki on April twenty-first, nineteen fifty-five, ascended to the throne as the Māori King in two thousand six, following the passing of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. His coronation took place on August twenty-first, the final day of her tangi, marking the beginning of his reign that would last until his death in two thousand twenty-four.

Throughout his life, Tūheitia was not only a monarch but also engaged in various professions, including truck driving and serving as an academic administrator. He was a prominent figure in Māori culture, acting as the patron of Te Matatini, the largest Māori cultural festival, and Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton. His commitment to social justice was evident when he signed a formal accord with the Department of Corrections in two thousand seventeen, which led to the establishment of iwi justice panels and support centers for female prisoners.

In addition to his cultural and social contributions, Tūheitia was active in political discourse, particularly concerning Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi. In January two thousand twenty-four, he convened a national hui to address the policies of the Sixth National Government, which he and the Kīngitanga viewed as regressive. His advocacy extended to climate change, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, where he championed the rights of Māori survivors.

Despite his significant contributions, Tūheitia faced ongoing health challenges throughout his life. He passed away in hospital on August thirtieth, two thousand twenty-four, shortly after his eighteenth coronation anniversary, following cardiac surgery. His legacy continues through his daughter, Nga wai hono i te po, who succeeded him on the day of his funeral.