Haere ra e te Kiingi o te Kotahitanga

Thousands of people descended on Tuurangawaewae Marae to bid farewell to Kiingi Tuheitia after a week of mourning.          

During his reign, Tuheitia worked to preserve and revitalise the Māori language and cultural traditions – te reo Māori me ōna tikanga

Under his guidance, the role of the Kiingitanga as a unifying force for Māori collective actions was maintained and strengthened. This was evident in the people from different cultures and nations who travelled to pay their respects during the tangihanga.   

Kiingi Tuheitia was known as a humble leader and servant to his people. He advocated for social justice, particularly in the areas of education, health, and economic development, and called for a collective focus on preparing rangatahi for the future.