2 weeks Ago By Adam Pearse
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived at Tūrangawaewae Marae to pay his respects to Kīngi Tūheitia who died yesterday. It comes as Kīngitanga spokesman Rahui Papa states the King’s tangi (funeral) is not an opportunity for political kōrero and instead the theme would be one of aroha for the fallen monarch. Kīngi Tūheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died on Thursday at age 69 after a stint in hospital recovering from heart surgery.
His passing was unexpected – the surgery had been long-planned and only 10 days ago, Tūheitia gave an address at the annual Koroneihana, which celebrated his 18th year as King..
