Acknowledgement of the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII

Kua hinga te totara o Te Waonui a Taane

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato wishes to express our heartfelt condolences at the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

Kiingi Tuheitia’s strong advocacy for Maaori, for fairness and equity have been a guiding light throughout Waikato and the motu, and his passing will be deeply felt.

Kiingi Tuheitia was the seventh of the line of Pootatau Te Wherowhero to head the Kiingitanga, founded in 1858. He was crowned on August 21, 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

We recently heard his fine koorero at his 18th Koroneihana celebrations, and this message of hope will be his legacy.

We at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato have felt your presence and heard your words. You will be sorely missed.