Tonga: Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori King of New Zealand, passed away at 69, shortly after marking 18 years as the monarch. As the seventh leader of the Kiingitanga movement, founded in 1858 to unite Māori tribes post-colonization, Tuheitia played a crucial role in preserving Māori culture and identity. His passing, announced by Rahui Papa, a Kiingitanga representative, is mourned deeply across New Zealand, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and King Charles III honoring his legacy of dedication to his people and Māori traditions.

Tuheitia's leadership extended beyond ceremonial duties, as he recently led discussions on national unity within Māori communities, particularly in response to policies of Prime Minister Luxon's government that were seen as unfavorable to Indigenous people. His commitment to promoting Māori culture and advocating for dignity and respect for all New Zealanders left an indelible mark on the nation.

As the country mourns his loss, uncertainty surrounds the succession of the kingship, which is held by the Tainui tribes of the Waikato region. Tuheitia is expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being laid to rest at Taupiri Mountain.