Rewritten Article:
* "We're heavily mourning his loss" or "Our spirits are weighed down with sorrow"*
Following the passing of Kingi Tuheitia, King Charles III took to Instagram, the digital platform of the British Royal Family, to express his deep sympathies. In his post, he stated, "My wife and I are heartbroken over Kingi Tuheitia's demise." He expresses his memories of Kingi Tuheitia, claiming to have known the Maori King for decades.
Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII (1955-2024), the true title for the Maori King, passed away in New Zealand on a Friday at the age of 69. The Kiingitanga (Maori King Movement) spokesperson confirmed the news to the "PA" news agency. Although there had been reports of Kingi Tuheitia recovering from a heart operation in the hospital, it seems that his health ultimately took a turn for the worse.
Charles eulogized Kingi Tuheitia, describing his selfless work for New Zealand's indigenous population: "He devoted himself to building a vibrant future for the Maori and Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on preserving culture, traditions, and healing, all of which he did with wisdom and compassion."
Reflecting on Personal Experiences - A Note of Sincerity
On the official website, Charles published further thoughts, sharing memories from his encounters with Kingi Tuheitia. He stated, "I hold dear the memories of our warm welcome and heartfelt reception at Tuurangawaewae Marae in 2015, as well as our meeting at Buckingham Palace last year." He went on to mention that Charles and Kingi Tuheitia shared a remarkable bond, stemming from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who also had a special bond with the late king.
Charles' feelings of grief and shock were evident when he mentioned his recent phone call with Kingi Tuheitia in early August, expressing, "The mighty Totora tree has fallen." His messages of condolences extended warmly to the family, friends, and anyone mourning the loss. He wrote "family" in Maori, "whaanau," demonstrating his attentiveness to the New Zealand culture.
Kingi Tuheitia's impact as a unifying force for the Māori community in New Zealand is multifaceted and heavily underpinned by his commitment to indigenous values and unity. The late king was a longstanding advocate for unity, promoting indigenous solutions, and leading initiatives in support of climate change and kapa haka (Maori performing arts). He also dedicated himself to preserving Treaty of Waitangi rights and Māori values, ensuring they could live by their traditions and ensure their future generations' wellbeing.
Beyond his own tribe, Kingi Tuheitia united Māori communities across New Zealand, promoting a shared vision for their future under the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Following Kingi Tuheitia's demise, political leaders and the general public have also expressed their condolences on social media.
Charles paid tribute to their long-standing relationship, expressing, "I have known Kingi Tuheitia for decades and have fond memories of our interactions, like the meeting at Buckingham Palace last year." Emphatically, Charles stated, "As King Charles the Third, I am overwhelmingly saddened to learn of the demise of Kingi Tuheitia."
