He maimai aroha

Kua hinga te tootara I ngaa waonui o Tane

 

It is with profound sorrow, the ANZASW acknowledges the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the esteemed Maaori king. His journey as the seventh monarch of the Kiingitanga Movement, following in the sacred footsteps of his ancestors, has left an indelible mark on Maaori people and our nation.

Kiingi Tuheitia was a beacon of unity, wisdom, and strength for Maaori and all who were privileged to know him. Under his leadership, the Kiingitanga flourished as a symbol of Maaori identity and resilience.

His reign was marked by a deep commitment to fostering unity among iwi, advocating for social justice, and nurturing the spiritual and cultural vitality of being Maaori. He was a champion of education, a protector of Te Reo Maaori and a staunch advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples globally. More recently his call to Kotahitanga was inspirational and sought to unify rather than divide our nation.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life of a leader who embodied the very essence of mana, outworked through aroha, rangatiratanga and whanaungatanga.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kiingitanga, Tainui iwi, and all those who loved and respected Kiingi Tuheitia. In this time of grief, let us heed his words and come together as a nation, embracing the unity and strength that he so passionately upheld throughout his life.

Haere atu raa e te Arikinui, moe mai raa i te rangimaarie.