Photo: Supplied / Waikato Tainui
The Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, has died.
A Kiingitanga spokesperson said he had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, days after celebrating the anniversary of his Coronation.
The Kiingitanga confirmed he passed away peacefully on Friday morning surrounded by family.
New Zealand's longest-serving councillor has shared his sadness after the death of his long-time friend. Rotorua Lakes councillor Trevor Maxwell (Ngāti Rangiwewehi) described Kiingi Tuheitia to Local Democracy Reporting as a "beautiful, gentle soul".
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