{{Short description|Māori King from 2006 to 2024}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox royalty | embed = | name = Tūheitia | title = {{lang|mi|Kīngi}} | image = Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero (cropped 3 by 4).jpg | caption = Tūheitia in 2021 | reign = 21 August 2006 – 30 August 2024 | coronation = 21 August 2006 | predecessor = Dame Te Atairangikaahu | successor = Nga wai hono i te po | reg-type = Whirinaki-a-te-Kiingi<ref name=stand-in/> (2013) | spouse = Te Atawhai | spouse-type = Makau Ariki | consort = yes | issue = {{ubl |Whatumoana Te Aa Paki |Korotangi Paki|Nga wai hono i te po Paki}} | house-type = Kāhui Ariki | royal house = Te Wherowhero | birth_name = Tūheitia Paki | full name = | regnal name = Tūheitia Pōtatau Te{{nbsp}}Wherowhero{{nbsp}}VII | father = Whatumoana Paki | mother = Te Atairangikaahu | birth_date = {{birth date|1955|4|21|df=y}} | birth_place = Huntly, New Zealand | death_date = {{death date and age|2024|8|30|1955|4|21|df=y}} | death_place = Hamilton, New Zealand | burial_date = 5 September 2024 | burial_place = Mount Taupiri, New Zealand | succession = Māori King }}
'''Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII''' {{post-nominals|post-noms=GCCT KStJ KCLJ}} (born '''Tūheitia Paki'''; 21 April 1955 – 30 August 2024), crowned as '''Kīngi Tūheitia''', reigned as the Māori King from 2006 until his death in 2024. He was the eldest son of the previous Māori monarch, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and was announced as her successor and crowned on 21 August 2006, the final day of her tangi.
Tūheitia was patron to Te Matatini, the largest Māori cultural festival, and also of Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton. He signed a formal accord with the Department of Corrections in 2017 that led to the establishment of iwi justice panels, as well as centres for female prisoners to reintegrate into prison life after giving birth. He made numerous state visits and met with other monarchs, including Charles III at the latter's coronation in 2023. Tūheitia also advocated for Māori survivors of climate change in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Among his activities, he involved himself in politics, as does the Kīngitanga as an institution. In January 2024, he held a national hui of Māori unity to respond to the policies of the Sixth National Government towards Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi, which the Kīngitanga believed were regressive and would reverse "decades of hard fought justice."
Tūheitia struggled with poor health throughout his life. In 2024, over a week after his eighteenth koroneihana (coronation anniversary), he died in hospital following cardiac surgery. He was succeeded by his daughter Nga wai hono i te po on the day of his funeral.
==Early life and family== [[File:Turongo House.JPG|thumb|Turongo House, the official royal residence, at Tūrangawaewae]] Tūheitia was the son of Whatumoana Paki (1926–2011) and Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (1931–2006), who married in 1952. He was educated at Rakaumanga School in Huntly, Southwell School in Hamilton and St. Stephen's College (Te Kura o Tipene) in Bombay, south of Auckland, New Zealand. He had five sisters – Heeni Katipa ({{Nee}} Paki); Tomairangi Paki; Mihi ki te ao Paki; Kiki Solomon ({{Nee}} Paki); Manawa Clarkson ({{Nee}} Paki) – and one brother, Maharaia Paki.<ref>{{cite news |first=Yvonne |last=Tahana |title=Obituary: Whatumoana Paki |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10753977 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 September 2011 |accessdate=16 August 2014 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424103558/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10753977 |url-status=live }}</ref>
He was married to Te Atawhai, who has the title Makau Ariki, and they had three children: Whatumoana, Korotangi, and Nga wai hono i te po.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahi |url= http://www.kiingitanga.com/about-the-king/ |work=Website of the Kiingitanga |publisher=Office of the Kiingitanga |accessdate=16 August 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150210103246/http://www.kiingitanga.com/about-the-king/ |archive-date= 10 February 2015}}</ref> Following his ascent to the throne, Te Atawhai was appointed patron of the Māori Women's Welfare League in 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnkey.co.nz/archives/240-SPEECH-Speech-to-the-Maori-Womens-Welfare-League-National-Conference.html |title=Speech to the Maori Women's Welfare League National Conference – Rt Hon John Key |work=johnkey.co.nz |year=2011 |accessdate=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707111817/http://www.johnkey.co.nz/archives/240-SPEECH-Speech-to-the-Maori-Womens-Welfare-League-National-Conference.html |archivedate=7 July 2011}}</ref> and Te Kohao Health,<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=https://www.tekohaohealth.co.nz/ourhistory.php |title=Our History |publisher=Te Kohao Health |website=www.tekohaohealth.co.nz|access-date=4 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124201754/https://www.tekohaohealth.co.nz/ourhistory.php}}</ref> a Māori public health organisation.
Tūheitia suffered ill health in 2013 and announced that he was establishing Te Kaunihera a te Kiingi (the King's Council) and deputising his elder son Whatumoana to act in his stead.<ref name=stand-in>{{Cite web |title=Elder son to stand in for ill King Tuheitia |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/elder-son-to-stand-in-for-ill-king-tuheitia/F3BLSYYFILIDG7S2EHTPOHOGV4/ |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 June 2013 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171826/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/elder-son-to-stand-in-for-ill-king-tuheitia/F3BLSYYFILIDG7S2EHTPOHOGV4/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Son to take over Maori King's duties |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/137865/son-to-take-over-maori-king%27s-duties |newspaper=Radio New Zealand |date=17 June 2013 |accessdate=16 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082712/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/137865/son-to-take-over-maori-king%27s-duties |url-status=live }}</ref> As the King's representative, Whatumoana was given the title ''Te Whirinaki a te Kīngi'', the title held by Te Wherowhero Tāwhiao while he acted for King Mahuta in the early 1900s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ailing Tuheitia to take break from king duties |first=Elton |last=Smallman |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8807297/Ailing-Tuheitia-to-take-break-from-king-duties |newspaper=Waikato Times |date=18 June 2013 |accessdate=16 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085454/http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/8807297/Ailing-Tuheitia-to-take-break-from-king-duties |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Te Whirinaki a te Kingi delivers Koroneihana speech |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2013/08/21/te-whirinaki-a-te-kingi-delivers-koroneihana-speech/ |newspaper=Te Ao Māori News |date=21 August 2013 |accessdate=8 September 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908233301/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2013/08/21/te-whirinaki-a-te-kingi-delivers-koroneihana-speech/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tūheitia later experienced a falling out with Whatumoana after the latter married Rangimarie Tahana in June 2022. In response, the Office of the Kīngitanga publicly denounced Whatumoana and Tahana's wedding and stripped Whatumoana of his royal title.<ref name="9 Honey">{{cite news |last1=Abi |first1=Jo |title=Surprise as eldest son overlooked for crown after Māori king dies in New Zealand |url=https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/royal-family-new-zealand-surprise-as-eldest-son-overlooked-for-crown-after-king-dies/8f10c762-99a1-4398-a550-9eabfefa2959 |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=9Honey |publisher=Nine Entertainment |date=5 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906002354/https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/royal-family-new-zealand-surprise-as-eldest-son-overlooked-for-crown-after-king-dies/8f10c762-99a1-4398-a550-9eabfefa2959 |archive-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Los'e |first1=Joseph |title=Fallout between the Māori king and his son grows wider after the public condemnation of the marriage hits the headlines |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/fallout-between-the-maori-king-and-his-son-grows-wider-after-the-public-condemnation-of-the-marriage-hits-the-headlines/U6KCFYEZ7KZM32BUUXE3KIJ5AE/ |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628015824/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/fallout-between-the-maori-king-and-his-son-grows-wider-after-the-public-condemnation-of-the-marriage-hits-the-headlines/U6KCFYEZ7KZM32BUUXE3KIJ5AE/ |archive-date=28 June 2022}}</ref>
In 2013, Tūheitia also announced that his second-born son Korotangi would not succeed him as King due to concerns about his readiness.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rātana |first1=Liam |title=The reign of Kīngi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/30-08-2024/the-reign-of-kingi-tuheitia-potatau-te-wherowhero-vii |publisher=The Spinoff |access-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901093543/https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/30-08-2024/the-reign-of-kingi-tuheitia-potatau-te-wherowhero-vii |archive-date=1 September 2024 |date=30 August 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Korotangi was subsequently convicted of drink-driving offending in 2014 and assaulting his girlfriend in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maori King's son convicted |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/maori-kings-son-convicted/KSJYSFUX46EZKRO2RYLH347P7A/ |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |agency=NZME |date=5 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226141108/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/maori-kings-son-convicted/KSJYSFUX46EZKRO2RYLH347P7A/ |archive-date=26 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Tūheitia's death in late August 2024, his daughter Nga wai hono i te po succeeded him as Māori Queen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duff |first=Michelle |date=2024-09-05 |title=Māori queen Nga Wai Hono i te po Paki crowned in 'new dawn' for New Zealand |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/05/maori-queen-nga-wai-hono-i-te-po-paki-new-zealand |access-date=2024-09-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908232503/https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/05/maori-queen-nga-wai-hono-i-te-po-paki-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="9 Honey" />
==Duties and background== [[File:Tuheitia Paki, Patsy Reddy, David Gascoigne, and Makau Ariki Atawhai.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Tūheitia with Dame Patsy Reddy, Sir David Gascoigne, and the Makau Ariki, Atawhai, at Tūrangawaewae for the koroneihana celebrations of 2019]]
The King generally spoke publicly only once a year, at the annual celebrations in Ngāruawāhia of his coronation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/te-reo-maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=336&objectid=10746653 |title=Maori King speaks of challenges |work=The New Zealand Herald |accessdate=22 October 2011 |first=Nikki |last=Preston |date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=7 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007110036/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/te-reo-maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=336&objectid=10746653 |url-status=live }}</ref>
His official duties included attending the following events:
* funeral of King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV of Tonga, September 2006 * opening of Pūkawa Marae on the shore of Lake Taupō, 17–19 November 2006 * opening of "Mauri Ora", an exhibition of Māori artefacts from Te Papa on exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum in Japan on 22 January 2007<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2007 |title=Taking Maori taonga to the world |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/taking-maori-taonga-world |access-date=2026-03-18 |website=www.beehive.govt.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0612/S00093.htm|title=Mauri Ora: Treasures from Museum of NZ in Japan | Scoop News|access-date=2 January 2007|archive-date=30 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013114/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0612/S00093.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> * funeral of Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa, 19 May 2007 * re-opening of the marae/war memorial hall in Ngaiotonga, Whangaruru, 2007 * opening of the Māori garden in Hamilton Gardens, 2008<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1012/S00118/new-zealands-first-maori-garden-opens-to-the-public.htm |title=New Zealands first Maori Garden opens to the public |work=scoop.co.nz |year=2010 |quote=As part of the Productive Garden Collection at Hamilton Gardens, Te Parapara was officially opened in 2008 by His Excellency Anand Satyanand and Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki, the Maori King. However, December's unveiling will open an area housing a number of precious artisan carvings which were previously inaccessible to the public. |accessdate=25 November 2011 |archive-date=25 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825200527/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1012/S00118/new-zealands-first-maori-garden-opens-to-the-public.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> * unveiling of Te Kawerau a Maki's new pou for the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitākere Ranges in 2011<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coney |first1=Sandra |title=New pou for Arataki visitor centre {{!}} Piha {{!}} Piha Beach {{!}} Piha New Zealand |url=http://www.piha.co.nz/new-pou-for-aarataki-visitor-centre/ |website=www.piha.co.nz |date=5 May 2011 |accessdate=7 June 2018 |archive-date=5 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605074013/http://www.piha.co.nz/new-pou-for-aarataki-visitor-centre/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * haka and speech for the fleet of 110 waka to commemorate 160 years of Kīngitanga in 2018<ref>{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Taroi |title=King Tuheitia performs powerful haka |url=http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/king-tuheitia-performs-powerful-haka |accessdate=7 June 2018 |work=Māori Television |date=6 May 2018 |language=en |archive-date=10 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610141023/http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/king-tuheitia-performs-powerful-haka |url-status=live }}</ref> *coronation of Charles III and Camilla in London, May 2023<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/05/03/chris-hipkins-arrives-in-uk-ahead-of-kings-coronation/|title=Chris Hipkins arrives in UK ahead of King's coronation|work=1News |access-date=6 May 2023|language=en-NZ|archive-date=5 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505103230/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/05/03/chris-hipkins-arrives-in-uk-ahead-of-kings-coronation/|url-status=live}}</ref>
King Tūheitia attended hundreds of events every year both nationally and internationally. He was the patron to several key organisations; including Te Matatini,<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2018 |title=Patron |url=https://www.tematatini.co.nz/about-us/our-people/patron/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124201656/https://www.tematatini.co.nz/about-us/our-people/patron/ |archive-date=24 January 2019 |access-date=4 February 2019 |website=Te Matatini |language=en}}</ref> the largest Māori cultural festival in the world, and Kirikiriroa Marae,<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.tekohaohealth.co.nz/ourhistory.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124201754/https://www.tekohaohealth.co.nz/ourhistory.php |archive-date=24 January 2019 |access-date=4 February 2019 |website=www.tekohaohealth.co.nz |publisher=Te Kohao Health}}</ref> a large urban marae in Hamilton.
He frequently received international dignitaries, foreign diplomats, members of other royal families, and members of governments.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Jacinda Ardern meets with Maori King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-meets-maori-king-tuheitia-turangawaewae-marae |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231024/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/jacinda-ardern-meets-maori-king-tuheitia-turangawaewae-marae |archive-date=4 February 2019 |access-date=4 February 2019 |work=TVNZ |language=en-NZ}}</ref> In 2014, the King notably received 26 diplomats to discuss international and trade interests for the Kīngitanga.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2014 |title=Trade on the agenda at Turangawaewae |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/10406802/Trade-on-the-agenda-at-Turangawaewae |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231700/http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/10406802/Trade-on-the-agenda-at-Turangawaewae |archive-date=4 February 2019 |access-date=4 February 2019 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>
thumb|Kīngi Tūheitia in 2009 In 2009, King Tūheitia visited the New Zealand Parliament and was acknowledged in the valedictory speech of the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clark, Helen: Valedictory Statement |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20090408_00001088/clark-helen-valedictory-statement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302101348/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20090408_00001088/clark-helen-valedictory-statement |archive-date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |website=New Zealand Parliament}}</ref> In the same year, the King accompanied Helen Clark to the United Nations upon her appointment as the United Nations Development Programme administrator.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |last2=Tahana |first2=Yvonne |date=17 April 2009 |title=Maori King joins Clark's UN trip |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10567254 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231034/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10567254 |archive-date=4 February 2019 |access-date=4 February 2019 |language=en-NZ |issn=1170-0777}}</ref>
The King regularly attended significant events of Māoridom around the country. In July 2018, the King and Royal family attended the 150th Celebrations of the Ringatu Church, to which the King's eldest grandson, Hikairo, has been baptised.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kani |first=Shaan Te |title=Ringatu faith commemorates 150 years|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/gisborne-herald/lifestyle/ringatu-faith-commemorates-150-years/CS4IT3HPPFHRZLTFCKLTDIWG2M/ |access-date=10 June 2025|date=18 March 2023|work=Gisborne Herald |language=en |url-access=subscription }}</ref> The King also frequently attended the annual 25 January celebrations of the Rātana Church expressing his continued support for all denominations and his deep desire to unify the people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ratana strengthens ties with Kingitanga |url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/ratana-strengthens-ties-kingitanga |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125732/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/ratana-strengthens-ties-kingitanga |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=7 February 2019 |work=Māori Television |language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, two archbishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia visited Tūrangawaewae to join in honouring King Tūheitia and 160 years of the Kīngitanga.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strengthening links in Te Ao Māori |website=Anglican Taonga |publisher=Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia |url= http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/relate_haahi |access-date=30 August 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174357/http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/relate_haahi |archive-date=4 February 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, King Tūheitia and members of the Whare Ariki travelled to the Vatican City where the King met Pope Francis in a private audience. The two met and discussed issues pertaining to Te Iwi Maori and indigenous peoples around the world. King Tūheitia also issued a formal invitation for the Pope to visit Tūrangawaewae marae and New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2019 |title=The Māori King has met with Pope Francis in Rome |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113027915/the-mori-king-has-met-with-pope-francis-in-rome |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620231059/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113027915/the-mori-king-has-met-with-pope-francis-in-rome |archive-date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Papal audience: Māori King invites Pope Francis to New Zealand |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/papal-audience-m-ori-king-invites-pope-francis-new-zealand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620231106/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/papal-audience-m-ori-king-invites-pope-francis-new-zealand |archive-date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |work=TVNZ |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, King Tūheitia visited parts of the devastated East Coast across the Ngāti Kahungunu rohe to help rebuild.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-05 |title=Māori King completes visit to cyclone-hit communities on East Coast |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/487404/maori-king-completes-visit-to-cyclone-hit-communities-on-east-coast |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406165655/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/487404/maori-king-completes-visit-to-cyclone-hit-communities-on-east-coast |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Poukai == The Poukai<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Waikato region – Te Kīngitanga, 1880 onwards – Poukai marae |first=Nancy |last=Swarbrick |date=1 July 2015 |url= https://teara.govt.nz/en/map/27171/poukai-marae |encyclopedia=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref> is an annual series of visits by the Māori King to marae around and beyond the Tainui region, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Poukai were established by the second Māori King, Tāwhiao, who said "''Kua whakatūria e ahau tēnei kaupapa hei whāngai i te pouaru, te pani me te rawakore, he kuaha whānui kua puare ki te puna tangata me te puna kai''" (I have instituted this gathering to feed the widowed, the bereaved and the destitute, it is a doorway that has been opened to the multitudes of people and the bounty of food).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ngatihauaiwitrust.co.nz/poukai-2018/|title=Poukai 2018 |date=12 December 2017 |website=Ngati Haua Iwi Trust|language=en-NZ|access-date=7 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124333/https://ngatihauaiwitrust.co.nz/poukai-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>
There are 29 Poukai every year and King Tūheitia attended each one. Poukai are a critical event in the Kīngitanga calendar. A unique element of Poukai is their focus on: te pani (the bereaved), te pouaru (the widowed) and te rawakore (the destitute). These events, led by the monarch, are put in place to assist and help ease the burdens and challenges faced by people.
==Political involvement== King Tūheitia was at the forefront of many political issues, particularly pertaining to Māori.
In February 2017, King Tūheitia signed a formal accord with the Department of Corrections; the accord would later be recognised by an award from Corrections in August the same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/kiingitanga-and-corrections-unite-assist-maori-offenders|title=Kiingitanga and Corrections unite to assist Māori offenders|website=Māori Television|language=en|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174546/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/kiingitanga-and-corrections-unite-assist-maori-offenders|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/latest_news/2017/partnership_award_recognises_kiingitanga.html|title=Corrections Department NZ – Partnership Award recognises Kiingitanga|date=11 August 2017|website=www.corrections.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174608/https://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/latest_news/2017/partnership_award_recognises_kiingitanga.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The accord led to the development of "iwi justice panels",<!-- To do: Add footnote on panels being later renamed --> and a further partnership with Corrections to build a reintegration centre for incarcerated women who gave birth while in prison.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/371343/maori-king-and-corrections-to-build-centre-for-mothers|title=Māori King and Corrections to build centre for mothers|date=6 November 2018|website=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174627/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/371343/maori-king-and-corrections-to-build-centre-for-mothers|url-status=live}}</ref> In a visit to a women's prison in Auckland, the King visited mothers and their children and pledged to do more for all incarcerated people. In 2018, the King launched, in collaboration with the New Zealand Police and Ministry of Justice, the iwi justice panel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/king-tuheitia-launches-new-iwi-maori-panel|title=King Tuheitia launches new Iwi Māori Panel|website=Māori Television|language=en|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174550/https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/king-tuheitia-launches-new-iwi-maori-panel|url-status=dead}}</ref> This approach to restorative justice aims to reduce incarceration rates among Māori, which are among the highest for an indigenous people in the world.
===2024 national hui=== In December 2023, King Tūheitia issued a royal proclamation to hold a national hui (meeting) to promote Māori unity in January 2024. The hui was in response to the Kīngitanga movement's concerns that the new National-led coalition government's policies towards the Treaty of Waitangi would reverse "decades of hard fought justice."<ref name="RNZ 6 Dec 2023">{{cite news |title=Kīngi Tūheitia issues call for national hui for unity |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/504018/kingi-tuheitia-issues-call-for-national-hui-for-unity |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114172505/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/504018/kingi-tuheitia-issues-call-for-national-hui-for-unity |archive-date=14 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="Newshub 6 Dec 2023">{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=Kīngitanga issues 'royal proclamation' for Māori to assemble in face of new Govt policies |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/k-ngitanga-issues-royal-proclamation-for-m-ori-to-assemble-in-face-of-new-govt-policy.html |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Newshub |date=6 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205182705/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/k-ngitanga-issues-royal-proclamation-for-m-ori-to-assemble-in-face-of-new-govt-policy.html |archive-date=5 December 2023}}</ref> The national hui was held at Tūrangawaewae marae on 20 January 2024. Key topics expected to be discussed at the hui included the Government's proposals to abolish Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority), roll back the use of the Māori language in the public service, repeal the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 and review the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tyson |first1=Jessica |title=Thousands expected at national hui at Tūrangawaewae for mana motuhake action plan |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/01/15/thousands-expected-at-national-hui-at-turangawaewae-to-lay-down-ideas-for-mana-motuhake/ |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=Whakaata Māori |date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115234057/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/01/15/thousands-expected-at-national-hui-at-turangawaewae-to-lay-down-ideas-for-mana-motuhake/ |archive-date=15 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>{{clarification needed|reason=The national hui has been held so the topics either were discussed or not. A source is needed to confirm if they were discussed as expected.|date=September 2024}} During his address, Tuheitia said “the best protest we can do right now is be Māori, be who we are, live our values, speak our reo, care for our mokopuna.”<ref name="Mathers 31 Aug 2024">{{Cite news |last1=Mathers |first1=Mike |title=The life and times of Tuheitia - the truckie who became 'a quiet king'|url=https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/350397434/life-and-times-tuheitia-truckie-who-became-quiet-king |access-date=18 October 2024|date=31 August 2024 |work=Waikato Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130102225mp_/https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/350397434/life-and-times-tuheitia-truckie-who-became-quiet-king|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 15 January 2024, King Tūheitia met with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka and discussed several of the Government's policies including the proposed Treaty Principles legislation and plans to roll back the use of Māori language in the public service. The King's chaplain, Archdeacon Simmonds, stated that the King would continue to speak Māori regardless of Government policy and direction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurihanganui |first1=Te Aniwa |title=More details emerge from Luxon's meeting with Māori King |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/16/more-details-emerge-from-luxons-meeting-with-maori-king/ |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116111918/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/16/more-details-emerge-from-luxons-meeting-with-maori-king/ |archive-date=16 January 2024}}</ref>
On 20 January, 10,000 people attended the national hui at Tuurangawaewae Marae including former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, activist and artist Tame Iti, former New Zealand First and National MP Tau Henare, former Te Pāti Māori president Tuku Morgan, and National MPs Tama Potaka and Dan Bidois (who attended as government representatives).<ref name="1 News national hui">{{cite news |title=Thousands attend national hui at Tuurangawaewae Marae |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/20/thousands-descend-on-tuurangawaewae-marae-for-national-hui/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=1News |date=20 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120225712/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/20/thousands-descend-on-tuurangawaewae-marae-for-national-hui/ |archive-date=20 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NZH Potaka 20 Jan 2024">{{cite news |last1=Pearse |first1=Adam |title=Hui's white supremacy claims against government 'premature', says National minister Tama Potaka |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/nationals-tama-potaka-speaks-to-national-hui-at-ngaruawahia/RB5ZYOP4OZGDXKVDABLUMAR7MA/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121234314/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/nationals-tama-potaka-speaks-to-national-hui-at-ngaruawahia/RB5ZYOP4OZGDXKVDABLUMAR7MA/ |archive-date=21 January 2024}}</ref> The national hui commenced with five workshops focusing on the Māori language, Treaty of Waitangi, national identity, ''oranga tangata'' (well-being of people) and ''oranga taiao'' (well-being of nature) followed by a plenary session. Tūheitia addressed attendees at 4pm.<ref name="1 News national hui" /><ref name="NZH national hui">{{cite news |last1=Molyneux |first1=Taiha |title=Kīngi Tūheitia hui: Providing platform for rangatahi key aspect at Ngāruawāhia |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kingi-tuheitia-hui-providing-platform-for-rangatahi-key-aspect-at-ngaruawahia/6PKMJ7Y6YVGD3PFSPN7EUY3BBE/ |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121225800/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kingi-tuheitia-hui-providing-platform-for-rangatahi-key-aspect-at-ngaruawahia/6PKMJ7Y6YVGD3PFSPN7EUY3BBE/ |archive-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>
During his address, King Tūheitia stated that "the best protest we can do right now is be Māori, be who we are, live our values, speak our reo ['language'], care for our mokopuna ['children']."<ref name="NZH national hui" /> He also said that the world was watching and urged the Government not to tamper with the Treaty of Waitangi in its proposed legislation.<ref name="NZH Potaka 20 Jan 2024" /> Tūheitia also said that other indigenous nations were supporting the Māori cause and that the kohanga movement had a new generation of leaders.<ref name="ODT unity">{{cite news |last1=Ngawhika |first1=Ani |title=Sense of unity key at national hui: Ngāi Tahu |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sense-unity-key-national-hui-ng%C4%81i-tahu |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121194002/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sense-unity-key-national-hui-ng%C4%81i-tahu |archive-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>
King Tūheitia attended a further national hui, held at Hastings in late May 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McRoberts |first1=Mike |title=Plans for independent Māori Parliament could be over after Kiingi Tuheitia reveals the idea 'frightens' him |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/plans-for-independent-m-ori-parliament-could-be-over-after-kiingi-tuheitia-reveals-the-idea-frightens-him.html |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=Newshub |date=31 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082544/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/plans-for-independent-m-ori-parliament-could-be-over-after-kiingi-tuheitia-reveals-the-idea-frightens-him.html |archive-date=3 June 2024|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===18th koroneihana=== In mid-August 2024, Tūheitia's eighteenth koroneihana (coronation anniversary celebration) was held at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia. Invitations were extended to leaders across the New Zealand political spectrum. While the National, Labour, New Zealand First, Te Pāti Māori and the Greens accepted the invitations extended to their leaders, ACT declined.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |date=19 August 2024 |title=Politicians of all stripes to attend Māori King's Koroneihana – with one notable absence |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525505/politicians-of-all-stripes-to-attend-maori-king-s-koroneihana-with-one-notable-absence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820171009/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525505/politicians-of-all-stripes-to-attend-maori-king-s-koroneihana-with-one-notable-absence |archive-date=20 August 2024 |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=RNZ}}</ref> On 20 and 21 August, Prime Minister Luxon and NZ First senior minister Shane Jones reiterated that neither party would support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill beyond its first reading.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |date=21 August 2024 |title=Winston Peters casts doubt on PM's position on Treaty Principles Bill |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525793/winston-peters-casts-doubt-on-pm-s-position-on-treaty-principles-bill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821133544/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525793/winston-peters-casts-doubt-on-pm-s-position-on-treaty-principles-bill |archive-date=21 August 2024 |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=RNZ}}</ref>{{Relevance inline|date=August 2024}}
== Personal life and death == {{Main|Death of Tūheitia}}
Tūheitia was a truck driver before becoming the Māori King. His time in the profession was widely reported on after his death, although he spent most of his career as administrator at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. At the time of his ascension, Tūheitia was cultural adviser to Te Wānanga and had previously managed its campus in Huntly.<ref name="Mathers 31 Aug 2024" /> According to Willie Jackson, former Minister of Māori Development, Tūheitia was never groomed to be king, and was given short notice about his ascension in 2006 by his dying mother.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-18 |title=From a truck driver to a unifier for Māori - Kīngi Tūheitia's legacy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/maori-king-tuheitias-death-the-maori-who-didnt-want-to-be-king-but-became-a-man-for-his-people/I55KM4DYCFGUXPUA2VQYXA5IVA/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> He was apparently "almost immediately assailed by lobbyists and political groups jockeying for his favour".<ref name="Mathers 31 Aug 2024" /> Tūheitia was known for his bright and exuberant personality, and was described as a “a bit of a character” by the ''Waikato Times''.<ref name="Mathers 31 Aug 2024" /> He co-founded the Huntly-based Taniwharau Culture Group, a kapa haka, and regularly participated.<ref name="Mathers 31 Aug 2024" />
Tūheitia suffered from poor health throughout much of his reign. At his koroneihana in 2014, he revealed he was battling diabetes and an unspecified type of cancer.<ref name="Smallman 11 Jul 2017">{{Cite web |last1=Smallman |first1=Elton |title=Maori King Tuheitia's road to recovery leads back to hospital |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/94608513/maori-kings-road-to-recovery-leads-back-to-hospital |access-date=18 October 2024|website=Stuff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908004245/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/94608513/maori-kings-road-to-recovery-leads-back-to-hospital|archive-date=8 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> He had to appoint his son Whatumoana as regent in 2013 because of his health battles, and in December 2016 underwent a kidney transplant donated by his youngest son, Korotangi.<ref name="Smallman 11 Jul 2017" />
On 30 August 2024, over a week after his eighteenth koroneihana, Tūheitia died while recovering from heart surgery in hospital in Hamilton. He was 69.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526561/maori-king-tuheitia-dies-aged-69-just-days-after-koroneihana |title=Māori King Tūheitia dies aged 69, just days after Koroneihana|date=30 August 2024|work=RNZ News|access-date=30 August 2024|archive-date=30 August 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240830065559/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526561/maori-king-tuheitia-dies-aged-69-just-days-after-koroneihana |url-status= live}}</ref> A new monarch, his daughter Nga wai hono i te po, was elected by leaders of tribes associated with the Kīngitanga on the day of Tūheitia's funeral.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-30 |title=Obituary: Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, Māori King, dies at 69 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/526570/obituary-tuheitia-pootatau-te-wherowhero-vii-maori-king-dies-at-69 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz |quote=The position of Māori monarch is not hereditary by right and a new leader is appointed by leaders of the tribes associated with the Kiingitanga on the day of the previous monarch's funeral and before burial. |archive-date=30 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830171712/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/526570/obituary-tuheitia-pootatau-te-wherowhero-vii-maori-king-dies-at-69 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Tekau-ma-Rua and Te Kahui Wairua == [[File:Maori leaders at Ratana 2012.jpg|thumb|Māori leaders at Rātana Pā on 25 January 2012. (L-R) Harerangi Meihana, Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Kingi Tūheitia and Sir Jerry Mateparae]]
An advisory council, the Tekau-mā-Rua ('the Twelve'), exists to offer advice and act as a senior council within the Kīngitanga. From the time of Tāwhiao to Te Atairangikaahu, the Tekau-mā-Rua were selected from within Tainui, the monarch's tribal confederation.<ref name="WT_iwi">{{cite news |date=26 March 2014 |title=Iwi leaders from around the country chosen to form King's Council |url=https://pressreader.com/article/281762742211945 |work=Waikato Times |via=PressReader |access-date=6 September 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908233307/https://www.pressreader.com/article/281762742211945 |url-status=live }}</ref> Historically all members were men.<ref name=TeAo>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Heeni |date=25 March 2014 |title=Tekau-mā-rua waiting to be finalised |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2014/03/25/tekau-ma-rua-waiting-to-be-finalised/ |website=Te Ao Māori News |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908233144/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2014/03/25/tekau-ma-rua-waiting-to-be-finalised/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Te Atairangikaahu's council went into recess after Henare Tuwhangai died in 1989.<ref name=Waatea2014>{{cite news |title=Tekau Ma Rua given national focus |date=25 March 2014 |url=https://waateanews.com/2014/03/25/tekau-ma-rua-given-national-focus/ |work=Radio Waatea |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904023823/https://waateanews.com/2014/03/25/tekau-ma-rua-given-national-focus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> King Tūheitia decided to re-establish the Tekau-mā-Rua, but made up of members from outside Tainui,<ref name=WT_iwi/> and including women.<ref name=TeAo/> He asked iwi leaders in August 2013 to suggest candidates.<ref name=WT_iwi/> Forty-eight iwi leaders from around New Zealand met in March 2014 and selected members.<ref name=WT_iwi/><ref name=RNZ2014>{{cite news |title=Maori King's Council re-established |date=25 March 2014 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/239728/maori-king%27s-council-re-established |work=Radio New Zealand |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908233301/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/239728/maori-king%27s-council-re-established |url-status=live }}</ref> Hemana Manuera was the inaugural chair, and other members included Pou Temara, Sir Toby Curtis, Kihi Ngatai, Mere Broughton and June Mariu.<ref name=WT_iwi/><ref name=Waatea2014/><ref name=RNZ2014/> Tūheitia established a spiritual council, Te Kāhui Wairua, at the same time, with membership from various churches.<ref name=WT_iwi/> These two councils worked together in providing advice, guidance and a strategic platform for the King and the Kīngitanga.
=== Tekau-mā-Rua ===
At August 2023:<ref>{{cite news |title=Māori King chooses council at Koroneihana celebrations |first=Karanama |last=Ruru |date=20 August 2023 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/waikato/300953886/mori-king-chooses-council-at-koroneihana-celebrations |work=Stuff |access-date=4 September 2024 |archive-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614000804/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/waikato/300953886/mori-king-chooses-council-at-koroneihana-celebrations |url-status=live }}</ref> {| class="wikitable" ! Member ! {{Lang|Mi|Karangatanga}} (representative area) |- |Che Wilson (Chairperson) |Te Wainuiarua-Whanganui |- |Rikirangi Gage |Te Whānau-ā-Apanui |- |Hemana Manuera |Ngāti Awa |- |Sir Pou Temara |Ngāi Tūhoe |- |Te Kahautu Maxwell |Te Whakatohea |- |Sir Herewini Parata |Ngāti Porou |- |Wharehoka Wano |Taranaki |- |Jerry Hapuku |Ngāti Kahungunu |- |Hone Harawira |Taitokerau |- |Turi Ngatai |Tauranga Moana |- |(Vacant) |Te Arawa |- |Justin Tipa{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} |Te Wai Pounamu |}
At 2020:{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} {| class="wikitable" ! Companion members ({{Lang|Mi|Mema Āpiti}}) |- |Prue Kapua – Māori Women's Welfare League |- |Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi – Te Kōhanga Reo |- |Sir Taihakurei Durie – NZ Māori Council |}
=== Te Kāhui Wairua ===
At 2020:{{cn|date=August 2024}} {| class="wikitable" ! Member ! {{Lang|Mi|Karangatanga}} (denomination) |- |Tumuaki Rev. Diana Tana (Chairperson) |Te Hāhi Weteriana / The Methodist Church |- |Rev. Rex Nathan |Te Hāhi Weteriana / The Methodist Church |- |Apotoro Takiwa Joe Everitt |Te Hāhi Ratana / The Rātana Church |- |Rev. Wayne Te Kaawa |Te Aka Puaho / The Presbyterian Church |- |Rev. Mahaki Albert |Te Aka Puaho / The Presbyterian Church |- |(Vacant) |Pai Mārire |- |Poutikanga Wirangi Pera |Te Hāhi Ringatu / The Ringatu Church |- |Ven. Ngira Simmonds{{efn-lr|Archdeacon Simmonds is the chaplain to the Kiingitanga and private chaplain to the King.}} |Te Hāhi Mihinare / The Anglican Church |- |Rt. Rev'd Ngarahu Katene |Te Hāhi Mihinare / The Anglican Church |- |(Vacant) |Te Hāhi Katorika / The Catholic Church |}
{{Notelist-lr}}
== Honours == {{Infobox flag | Name = Standard of King Tūheitia | Image = Kiingitanga flag (blue).svg | Use = {{FIAV|000000}} | Symbol = {{FIAV|reconstructed}} }} * In 2009, King Tūheitia was appointed a Knight of the Venerable Order of Saint John by Queen Elizabeth II,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/L-59254-984394 |title=Order of St John |date=27 November 2009 |work=The Gazette |issue=59254 |accessdate=16 August 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006164159/https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/L-59254-984394 |url-status=live }}</ref> and he was presented with the insignia for the honour by the governor-general, Sir Jerry Mateparae in 2016 during the 10th anniversary commemorations of the King's coronation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/kiingi-tuheitia-coronation-commemorations|title=Kiingi Tuheitia coronation commemorations|date=21 August 2016|website=gg.govt.nz|publisher=Office of the Governor-General of New Zealand|access-date=17 October 2017|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017044004/https://gg.govt.nz/image-galleries/kiingi-tuheitia-coronation-commemorations|url-status=live}}</ref> * He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga during the coronation ceremonies of King George Tupou V of Tonga.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://matangitonga.to/2008/08/01/royal-orders-presented-palace |title=Royal orders presented at Palace |publisher=Matangi Tonga |date=1 August 2008 |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121030307/https://matangitonga.to/2008/08/01/royal-orders-presented-palace |archive-date=21 January 2021}}</ref> * In 2010, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lazarus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kiingi Tuheitia invested as Knight Commander |url=http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/03/kiingi-tuheitia-invested-as-knight-commander/ |newspaper=Scoop |date=9 March 2010 |accessdate=16 August 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006164203/http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/03/kiingi-tuheitia-invested-as-knight-commander/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * In 2014, he established and became the first sovereign head of the Māori Kīngi Honours<ref name="taonga">{{cite news |title=Maori King creates honours system |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/252719/maori-king-creates-honours-system |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 August 2014}}</ref> * In 2016, in celebration of the King's 10th Coronation Anniversary, the mayor of Hamilton awarded him the city's highest honour, the Freedom of the City.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2016/08/hamilton-honours-the-maori-king.html|title=Hamilton honours the Māori King|date=16 August 2016|work=Newshub |access-date=4 February 2019|language=en|archive-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006164158/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2016/08/hamilton-honours-the-maori-king.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the same year, the King also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-opinion/media/2016/king-tuheitia-to-receive-an-honorary-doctorate|title=King Tuheitia receives an honorary doctorate|last=|date=8 September 2016|publisher=University of Waikato|language=en-NZ|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204175959/https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-opinion/media/2016/king-tuheitia-to-receive-an-honorary-doctorate|url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Portal|New Zealand|Oceania|Monarchy|Biography}} {{Commons category|Tūheitia}}
{{s-start}} {{s-reg|reg}} {{s-bef|before=Te Atairangikaahu}} {{s-ttl|title=King of the Kīngitanga|years=2006–2024 }} {{s-aft|after=Nga wai hono i te po}} {{end}}
{{Tūheitia navbox|state=expanded}} {{MaoriMonarchs}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tuheitia}} Category:1955 births Category:2024 deaths Category:Māori monarchs Category:People from Huntly, New Zealand Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga Category:Knights of the Order of St John Category:Recipients of the Order of Saint Lazarus (statuted 1910) Category:People educated at St Stephen's School, Bombay Hills Category:21st-century monarchs in Oceania Category:Sons of queens regnant