[ad_1]
Kiingi Tuheitia delivers the annual speech at Turangawaewae
photo: RNZ/Shannon Haunui-Thompson
The Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum says he believes the entire Pacific region will mourn the death of Maori King Kiingi Tuheitia.
Maori people are in mourning Maori king passes away peacefully He had just undergone heart surgery and was surrounded by his family.
His death occurred a few days later After celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.
Wakabarun said Geneji Tuhaitia was one of the key figures in the Pacific and was highly respected in the region.
“I think the entire Pacific region will mourn his passing,” Waqa said.
“We are all in Tonga, having attended a leaders’ meeting, but this is devastating news for us.”
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said his country would mourn Maori King, and remember his great deeds.
“Come on, sir,” Brown said.
“This is a very sad day for us in the Cook Islands.
“What people will remember most is the Maori king’s unwavering faith in his people, his humility and his great charisma,” he said.
He said Kiingitanga had strong links with the Cook Islands.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Huakavameliku Sioasi Sovalenei said it was sad news..
“I am sure the people of Tonga are deeply saddened by the loss of this great Pacific leader,” he said.
“Our thoughts and wishes are with New Zealand.”
Huakahuameliku said the relationship between New Zealand and Tonga was further strengthened by the contacts between the two royal families, with King Tupou VI of Tonga currently visiting New Zealand.
[ad_2]
Source link
