RoyalDish - New Zealand

https://nos.nl/artikel/25...ing-tuheitia-69-overleden

Loosely translated as:

NOS News
•
today, 10:42

Maori king Tuheitia (69) passed away

The Maori king of New Zealand, Tuheitia, has passed away. The king was 69 years old. Tuheitia recently underwent heart surgery and died in the presence of his family.

Tuheitia, whose full name was Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, was the seventh Maori king and was the head of the Maori community for eighteen years.

Although the title of Maori king has no legal status, the role is symbolically and politically important. He advocated for the rights of Maoris, the position of young people and the preservation of Maori traditions. The sovereign succeeded his mother, who was the head of the Maori community for forty years.

Indelible mark
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he mourns the passing of the Maori king. "I will remember his commitment, dedication and passion for the Maori world," Luxon said.

The Prime Minister also said that Tuheitia's efforts "left an indelible mark on our country." Flags in the country are flying at half-mast.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also said on Instagram that she was grateful for the work of the Maori chief. British King Charles said in a statement that he was deeply saddened by Tuheitia's passing.

The Maori are the original inhabitants of New Zealand. The first Maori came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 13th century, which was previously uninhabited. From the moment that Captain James Cook planted the British flag on New Zealand in 1769, the native population was subjected to oppression.

Nevertheless, the Maori tribes have tried to preserve their own language and culture as much as possible. For example, the Maori community is known for its traditional (facial) tattoos and the ritual haka dance.

Correspondent Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Meike Wijers:
"The Maori king has a very important role, even if it is mainly symbolic. The indigenous Maori community is divided into different iwi, or tribes. In 1858, a king was appointed for the first time who could unite the tribes. This was extremely important in, among other things, negotiations about the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand that contains agreements about the role of the indigenous population.

After a period of mourning, Maori chiefs will appoint a new king. This does not have to be a relative of the deceased king. The new king will be announced on the day of the funeral, just before King Tuheitia Paki is buried."

	Author	Topic: New Zealand (Read 868 times)
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