The Māori king in New Zealand – Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII – has died at the age of 69.
The Kiingitanga, or Māori king movement, announced the news on social media on Friday morning local time.
Spokesman Rahui Papa said the king had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
He died peacefully surrounded by his wife and three children.
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