Maori King Dies: Tuheitia Was 69, Bid Farewell by New Zealand Prime Minister and British Monarch

New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII has died at the age of 69, a few days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his accession to the throne, AP reported Friday. The cause of death was complications following heart surgery.

Sadness and mourning at the death of the Maori King were expressed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and British King Charles III, constitutional head of state of New Zealand, and his wife, Queen Camilla.

Tuheitia was the seventh Maori ruler since the monarchy was established in 1858 to unite New Zealand's tribes during the British colonisation of the islands. He was the eldest son of the previous monarch, Te Atairangikaahu. He ascended the throne on 21 August 2006, the day of his mother's funeral.

In Maori culture, the king plays primarily a ceremonial role, but also has a significant voice representing the Maori, who make up nearly 20 percent of New Zealand's population.

Among Tuheitia's most important achievements is the establishment of a reintegration centre for women prisoners who have given birth while in prison. He has also worked with the New Zealand police and the Ministry of Justice to prevent crime and violence. The number of Maori people in prison is one of the highest among ethnic minorities in the world.

In recent months, Tuheitia has also been coordinating talks on Maori national unity in response to the policies of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s government. Critics accuse the centre-right government of pursuing anti-Maori policies and failing to support indigenous people and their language. At a national Maori meeting called by the king in January, attended by more than 10,000 people, Tuheitia said he would continue to speak Maori regardless of government policy.