The Cook Islands community is deeply saddened by the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia Paki, the Māori King, who was a frequent and cherished visitor to the islands.

Kīngi Tūheitia, died yesterday morning at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Ngawai Hono I Te Po.

A statement issued by the office of The Kīngitanga said he had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18^th anniversary of his coronation.

Kīngi Tūheitia last visited Rarotonga this year in March, signing a historical declaration with Te Are Ariki’s Kaumaiti Nui Tou Ariki advocating for the legal personhood of whales and their protection.

Prime Minister Mark Brown said he was saddened to wake up to the news of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII passing in Aotearoa yesterday morning.

“E kuriri te manu e tangi nei, E tangi ana i te ti poto e te ti roa, Kua tapoki ia koe Aotearoa ki te tumurangi, Kua inga teia tumu enua, Aue....aue....aere ra ki te moe anga roa Te Ariki Tūheitia,” PM Brown said in his tribute.

“Kīngi Tūheitia was not only a frequent and cherished visitor to our islands but also a part of our extended anau, bound by strong whakapapa connections.

“I had the honour of meeting him on numerous occasions, both here in the Cook Islands and at Tūrangawaewae.

“Despite facing health challenges, Kīngi Tūheitia will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his people and his country.

“His leadership was evident during the Kotahitanga hui in January, where he brought thousands together in response to significant legislative changes proposed in New Zealand.

“His call to be Māori all day, every day, resonated deeply, encapsulating his commitment to preserving and promoting Māori identity and values.

“His legacy is one of unity and strength.”

Brown said recently The Kīngitanga (Māori King movement) once again gathered at Tūrangawaewae marae to commemorate the 18^th anniversary of Kīngi Tūheitia’s coronation, serving as a testament to his enduring influence and the profound respect he commanded.

“On behalf of my wife and the people of the Cook Islands, I extend our deepest sympathies to Makau Ariki, their children, moko, and whanau.

“The Cook Islands stands in solidarity with Aotearoa during this time of mourning. Kia orana e kia manuia.”

Te Ui Ariki is saddened to hear of Kīngi Tūheitia’s passing. Kaumaiti Nui Tou Ariki, who is currently in Aotearoa, is hoping to extend his stay to attend Kīngi Tūheitia’s funeral.

Pa Marie Upokotini Ariki met Kīngi Tūheitia at his 18^th Coronation commemoration just last week on August 20. She is deeply saddened by his passing “aue te tangi nei”.

Tui Dewes, the outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, said Kīngi Tūheitia had a deep love for the Cook Islands and the people of the Cook Islands, and he and his whānau would visit here often.  

“Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne. We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our Māori King,” Dewes said.

“Kīngi Tūheitia will be deeply missed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning his loss.   

“The New Zealand High Commission will be flying our flag at half-mast to mark his passing.

“Moe mai ra e tāku ariki i roto i te aroha me te rangimārie … Nga mihi.”

Kīngi Tūheitia succeeded his mother, following her death in 2006. He was the seventh of the line of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero to head the Kīngitanga (Māori King movement), which was founded in 1858.

He had suffered from poor health for several years, with cancer and diabetes-related ailments.

Kīngi Tūheitia was expected to lie in state at Tūrangawaewae Marae for five days then be taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain.