This story was originally published on Friday, August 30, 2024, and is republished today as part of Te Ao Māori News' Ngā Hiranga o te tau 2024 series, highlighting an article from each month that caught your attention.
Te Tari o Te Kiingitanga has announced that Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu has died peacefully, with by his wife Makau Ariki and their children, Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngawai Hono I Te Po by his side.
“Kua riro a Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Tuawhitu ki te maakohakoha o te poo, ki te maarirerire o te poo. Kua kotahi atu ki a nunui maa, ki a roroa maa i te tau o Paengarau”.
Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa says Te Kiingi has been in hospital recovering from heart surgery just days after celebrating his 18th coronation anniversary.
“The death is a great moment of sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga. Maaoridom and the entire nation,” Papa said.
“E te Kiingi, pikitia te pane o Te Mata o Tuutonga, pikitia ngaa tihi o Taupiri Kuao. Tirohia ngaa maunga whakahii o te Motu. Purea too hau ki te maarakiraki, horea too hau ki te maatongatonga. Maiangitia too hau ki te raawhiti, whiuwhiua too hau ki te uru. Pareparea too hauhunga ki Te Kaahui Maunga, kia ia rere mai ki te take o Taupiri e tuu nei”
“Whoatu e te Kiingi ki ngoo Waka, ki ngoo Iwi, ki ngoo Hapuu paarangaranga o te Motu”.
“Houhia too huarahi ki te poo, mana o te poo, tini o te poo. Te poo taiopeope i te tangata, te poo oopeti i te iwi nui tonu”
“Rukutia te paringa rua o Mooriaanuku, kauria te moana o aake aake kia tau koe ki te taahuna o Rongomaawhitiwhiti, ki te aakau o Hawaiki whakariterite”
Rire rire Hau! Paimaaririe
