The Māori King, Tuheitia Paki, crowned Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia, has died peacefully on Friday morning at the age of 69, New Zealand news media reported today.

Kiingi Tuheitia succeeded his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, following her death in 2006.

He had five brothers and one sister. His father was Whatumoana Paki.

The position of Māori monarch is not hereditary by right and a new leader is appointed by leaders of the tribes associated with the Kiingitanga on the day of the previous monarch's funeral and before burial.

He was the seventh of the line of Pootatau Te Wherowhero to head the Kiingitanga, which was founded in 1858.

He made his home at Huntly at Waahi Marae, located outside of Hamilton in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement that the country would mourn the loss of Kiingi Tuheitia.

Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheiti had made visits to Tonga, over the years and was friends with the late King Tupou V. https://matangitonga.to/2011/05/30/prominent-guests-join-royal-birthday-... [2] in more recent years, King Tupou VI.

In August 2012 August 18, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u visited Turangawaewae Marae  to meet the Te Arikinui of the Kingitanga, on the celebration of the 6^th anniversary of his coronation.  https://matangitonga.to/2012/08/19/kingitanga-appreciates-support-tongan... [3]