Tūheitia Paki (1955-2024) Find a Grave Memorial
Tūheitia Paki (1955-2024) Find a Grave Memorial,
Tūheitia Paki Find a Grave, Tūheitia Paki obituary, Tūheitia Paki Death and Burial Details, Tūheitia Paki Māori King dies at age 69.
Tūheitia Paki
| Full Name | Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII |
|---|---|
| Birth | 21 April 1955 Huntly, Waikato District, Waikato, New Zealand |
| Death | 29 August 2024 (aged 69) New Zealand |
| Cause of death | Cardiac surgery |
| Parents | Te Atairangikaahu (Mother), Whatumoana Paki (Father) |
| Children | Ngawai hono i te po Paki, Korotangi Paki, Whatumoana Te Aa Paki |
| Burial | Mount Taupiri Cemetery Taupiri, Waikato District, Waikato, New Zealand |
| Memorial ID | 274149944 |
On 30 August 2024, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII passed away at the age of 69, following complications from cardiac surgery. His death occurred a week after his eighteenth koroneihana (coronation anniversary). His passing marks the end of his influential reign as the Māori King, with a new monarch expected to be appointed on the day of his funeral.
Tūheitia Paki Find a Grave Memorial
Kīngi Tūheitia will be buried according to Māori customs and traditions. His funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be carried out with ceremonial significance, including the appointment of a new monarch by the leaders of the Kīngitanga on the day of his funeral. The specific details of the burial process will follow customary protocols and respect for his legacy.
Tūheitia Paki Cause of Death
Kīngi Tūheitia died due to complications from cardiac surgery.
Remembering Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII: A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII (born Tūheitia Paki, 21 April 1955 – 30 August 2024) was a distinguished figure in Māori history, serving as the Māori King from 2006 until his passing in 2024. Tūheitia, the eldest son of the previous Māori monarch, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, was crowned as Kīngi Tūheitia on 21 August 2006, the same day as his mother’s tangihanga (funeral rites). His coronation marked the beginning of a reign defined by his deep commitment to Māori culture and rights.
| Māori King | Tūheitia Paki |
|---|---|
| Tenure | 21 August 2006 – 30 August 2024 |
| Coronation | 21 August 2006 |
| Predecessor | Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu |
| Successor | To be determined |
| Makau Ariki | Te Atawhai |
| Issue | Whatumoana Te Aa Te Ariki Taituruki Korotangi Te Puhi Ariki Ngawaihonoitepo |
| Other Names | Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tāwhiao Mahuta Te Rata Koroki Te Atairangikāhu Tūheitia |
| Regnal name | Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII |
| Kāhui Ariki | Te Wherowhero |
Public and Political Engagements
Advocacy and Political Stance
Throughout his reign, Tūheitia actively engaged in political matters concerning Māori communities. In January 2024, he organized a significant national hui at Tūrangawaewae Marae to address concerns about the Sixth National Government’s policies on the Treaty of Waitangi. The hui aimed to counter what the Kīngitanga perceived as regressive policies threatening years of progress in Māori justice and rights.
Cultural Patronage and International Relations
Kīngi Tūheitia was a patron of numerous cultural and community organizations, including Te Matatini, the largest Māori cultural festival, and Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton. His role extended internationally, meeting with other royals such as Charles III during the latter’s coronation in 2023 and advocating for Māori survivors affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Personal Life and Health Challenges
Family Background and Education
Born to Whatumoana Paki and Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Tūheitia was educated at Rakaumanga School, Southwell School, and St. Stephen’s College. He was one of six siblings and was married to Te Atawhai, with whom he had three children. Te Atawhai also held significant roles, including patron of the Māori Women’s Welfare League and Te Kohao Health.
Health and Passing
Tūheitia’s life was marked by health struggles, which culminated in his death on 30 August 2024, following complications from cardiac surgery. His death came over a week after his eighteenth koroneihana (coronation anniversary) celebration, and a new monarch is anticipated to be chosen on the day of his funeral.
Duties and Contributions
Significant Events and Appearances
King Tūheitia’s public duties included attending various significant events, such as the funerals of international royals, the opening of cultural exhibitions, and the unveiling of important Māori landmarks. His engagements ranged from the opening of a Māori garden in Hamilton in 2008 to attending the coronation of Charles III in London in 2023.
Annual Poukai Visits
An important aspect of Tūheitia’s role was his participation in the Poukai—an annual series of visits to marae established by the second Māori King, Tāwhiao. These gatherings focused on providing support to the bereaved, widowed, and impoverished members of the Māori community.
Political Involvement and Legacy
Justice and Māori Rights
King Tūheitia was a prominent advocate for Māori justice and rights. In 2017, he signed an accord with the Department of Corrections to develop iwi justice panels and support for incarcerated women. His efforts extended to restorative justice initiatives and ongoing advocacy for Māori issues.
National Hui and Final Address
In January 2024, Tūheitia convened a national hui to address concerns about proposed government policies impacting Māori rights. During his address, he emphasized the importance of maintaining Māori cultural values and protecting the Treaty of Waitangi.
Death and Succession
Tūheitia’s death marks the end of a significant era for the Kīngitanga. His legacy will continue through the ongoing efforts of his successors and the institutions he supported. The appointment of a new monarch will follow the traditions and processes established by the Kīngitanga.
Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII leaves behind a lasting impact on Māori culture and politics, remembered for his dedication to his people and his tireless advocacy for justice and cultural preservation.
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Tūheitia Paki (1955-2024) Find a Grave Memorial
FAQs About Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Q: When was Kīngi Tūheitia born?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia was born on 21 April 1955.
Q: When did Kīngi Tūheitia become the Māori King?
A: He was crowned as Kīngi Tūheitia on 21 August 2006.
Q: How long did Kīngi Tūheitia reign as the Māori King?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia reigned from 2006 until his death in 2024, making his reign 18 years long.
Q: What were the major health issues Kīngi Tūheitia faced?
A: Throughout his life, Kīngi Tūheitia struggled with poor health, and he passed away following complications from cardiac surgery.
Q: When did Kīngi Tūheitia pass away?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia passed away on 30 August 2024.
Q: What is expected to happen following Kīngi Tūheitia’s death?
A: A new monarch is expected to be appointed by the leaders of the tribes associated with the Kīngitanga on the day of his funeral.
Q: What were some of Kīngi Tūheitia’s key roles and contributions?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia was a patron of Te Matatini and Kirikiriroa Marae, involved in political advocacy for Māori rights, and attended numerous national and international events.
Q: How did Kīngi Tūheitia address political issues?
A: He organized national hui to discuss and respond to policies affecting Māori rights and was actively involved in justice reform and advocacy for Māori communities.
Q: What was the cause of Kīngi Tūheitia’s death?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia died due to complications from cardiac surgery.
Q: What are the plans for Kīngi Tūheitia’s burial?
A: Kīngi Tūheitia will be buried according to Māori customs and traditions. His funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be carried out with ceremonial significance, including the appointment of a new monarch by the leaders of the Kīngitanga on the day of his funeral. The specific details of the burial process will follow customary protocols and respect for his legacy.
Tūheitia Paki (1955-2024) Find a Grave Memorial