PASSED ON : Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero
By Staff Writer
The Head of State, His Highness, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, has extended official condolences to the New Zealand Government, at the passing of Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero.
The Maori monarch died on 30 August 2024 at age 69 after undergoing an unsuccessful cardiac surgery.
Hi Highness, Tuimaleali’ifano, offered sympathies to the New Zealand Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, in a message, dated 31 August 2024 :
Your Excellency,
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.
On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa, I extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Your Excellency, Government and the People of New Zealand especially Maoridom.
King Tuheitia’s eighteen year reign represented strength and unity for Maori in a rapidly changing world. He was dedicated to peace and envisioned a future where people were treated with dignity and respect.
His passing is a great loss to New Zealand and our Pacific region.
Yours sincerely,
Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II
HEAD OF STATE
INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA