Maori King Kiingi Tuheitia Dies at 69

New Zealand's Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, passed away on Friday at the age of 69 following heart surgery, according to Rahui Papa, a spokesperson for the Kiingitanga. His death comes just days after marking 18 years on the throne. His leadership and vision have been central to Maori unity since he became the seventh monarch of the Kiingitanga Movement.

The Kiingitanga position was established in 1858 to foster unity among New Zealand's Indigenous Maori tribes. This movement sought to halt the sale of land to non-Indigenous people, curb inter-tribal conflicts, and promote the preservation of Maori culture in the wake of British colonization. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in maintaining Maori traditions and culture, despite having a largely ceremonial position in New Zealand, where the Maori are a minority. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)