The Māori king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people died at the age of 69, the death of King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, affected the Māori community as well as the broader New Zealand nation. The king was suffering from conditions like cancer and diabetes and recently went through his heart surgery. Unfortunately, his health has been in very poor state and seems he had a peaceful death.
The Māori monarchy was established in 1858, additionally as the part of the Kīngitanga movement which is considered as a ceremonial position without judicial or legal authorities. Among this, The Māori King is perceived as the chief of several tribes and should the upholding the culture identity and traditions of the Māori people.
The King Tuheitia had a regime that remembered for his dedication to his people, his exertions to preserve Māori culture and also his influence in advocating for people justice and truth.
History of Māori community and the Kīngitanga Movement
The Māori community of New Zealand (Aotearoa), with a rich history that dates back to their arrival from Polynesia over a thousand years ago. It is known for its distinct culture, language and social structure consequently which they have been maintained despite the challenges posed by European colonization.
As a result of these challenges in response the Māori sought ways to preserve their sovereignty, culture and land due to the British colonization. The Kiingitanga movement was established as a means to strengthen indigenous resistance to colonial rule. While the Māori monarch does not hold legal or judicial authority, the position is highly symbolic and carries significant ceremonial importance. The monarch is regarded as the chief of several tribes, serving as a unifying figure and a custodian of Māori culture and traditions.
Māori Community and their Authorities
The Māori community, which makes up nearly a fifth of New Zealand’s population of over 5 million, continues to face systemic challenges and discrimination. These issues manifest in various aspects of life, including health, education, and the criminal justice system.
Māori people often experience poorer health outcomes compared to non-Māori New Zealanders, with higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancy. In the education sector, Māori students face disparities in academic achievement and are overrepresented in negative outcomes, such as lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon led tributes to Tuheitia, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to his people and the indelible mark he left on the nation. Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also paid tribute to Tuheitia, describing him as an advocate for Māori people and a champion of fairness, justice, and prosperity.
Kiingi Tuheitia’s Advocacy and Leadership
Kiingi Tuheitia was a vocal advocate for his people, consistently working to address these issues and promote Māori rights. In January, he hosted a significant gathering of more than 10,000 Māori people to discuss how to respond to government policies that were perceived as undermining Māori rights.
One of the key concerns was the New Zealand government’s proposal to dissolve the Māori Health Authority, an organization established to address the specific health needs of the Māori community. The government’s plans also included rolling back the use of the Māori language and ending limits on tobacco sales, a move that was opposed by Māori leaders who were concerned about its potential impact on the already high smoking rates within the community.
The process of appointing a new Māori monarch is not hereditary by right. Instead, the leaders of the tribes associated with the Kiingitanga will appoint a new monarch on the day of the previous monarch’s funeral, ensuring that the legacy of the Kiingitanga continues.
