New Zealand Maori Tribe King Tuheitia Dies, Had A Heart Surgery

King Maori Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. (Twitter/@kiingitanga)

JAKARTA - New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died peacefully on Friday morning at the age of 69, according to a statement released by his representative.

"The death of Kiani Tuheitia is a deep moment of grief for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maoridom and the whole nation," spokesman Rahui Papa said on social media.

He added that the King had been hospitalized to recover from heart surgery a few days after celebrating his 18th birthday of hisappropriation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement the country would mourn the loss of Kiingi Tuheitia.

"His firm commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold Kingitanga's values and traditions have left an indelible imprint on our nation," he said.

Meanwhile, Jacinda Ardern, a former New Zealand prime minister, said Kiingi Tuheitia had been a supporter of Maori, for justice, justice and prosperity.

Local media reported that Raja's body would now be taken to a meeting place at his home, Turanggawaewae marae, and Tangihanga, or funeral ceremony, which is expected to last at least five days.

It is known, Kiayi Tuheitia replaces her mother, Ratu Dame Te Atirangikaahu. Her treatment was held on August 21, 2006.

The role of the Maori king should not be hereditary and a new leader will be appointed by tribal chiefs linked to the King's Movement on the funeral day of Kiani Tuheitia but before he is buried, according to Radio New Zealand.

King Maori is considered the supreme tribal chief of several tribes, or iwi, but is not affiliated with everything. The role of the king has no legal or judicial authority in New Zealand and is largely ceremonial.

The King's Movement, or Kiingitanga, began in 1858 in an effort to unite New Zealand's native tribes under one leader to strengthen their resistance to colonialism.