Today, our late Māori King – Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII – was taken from Tūrangawaewae Marae (Ngāruawāhia) to the banks of the Waikato River, carried on a special waka, and then to his final resting place on the summit of the sacred Taupiri Maunga.
Thousands of mourners have paid their respects to Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII at Tūrangawaewae Marae since his passing on Friday 30th August, aged 69 years. Many of our Ngā Puna o Waiōrea whānau, kaimahi, kaiako and tauira have travelled to pay their respects to this great man.
Kīngi Tūheitia was seen as a well-respected, unifying figure who led with wisdom and compassion, and was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing. Kīngi Tūheitia was widely acknowledged as the “King of Kotahitanga”, saying “Let’s keep pushing forward while we are currently facing a storm, there’s no need to worry. In this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is kotahitanga [unity], and with that we will reach our destination.”
Today is a significant day in history for Aotearoa New Zealand as we farewell Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII and witness the ascension of his daughter, Ngā Wai hono i te pō – as the new Māori Kuini.
He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki. Moe mai rā
A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love
[Feature image Photo Credit: Waikato Tainui]
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