New Zealand's Maori King has passed away, breaking tradition as his 27-year-old daughter succeeds him as Queen | WPN World People News

King Tuheitia of the Maori people in New Zealand passed away on August 30 after undergoing heart surgery. On September 5, the Chiefs' Council appointed his 27-year-old daughter, Nga Wai hono i te po Paki, as his successor. She will be the eighth Maori King and the second Queen. During the ceremony held on New Zealand’s North Island, Nga Wai donned a garland made of leaves, a cloak, and a whale bone necklace, and was surrounded by a group of bare-chested, tattooed men carrying ceremonial weapons as she ascended to the throne.

Traditionally, the Maori monarchy is succeeded by the eldest male, and Nga Wai has two older brothers, one of whom has been performing many ceremonial duties on behalf of Tuheitia and was considered a likely successor. This decision undeniably breaks with tradition. Following the six-day mourning period, King Tuheitia’s coffin was transported along the Waikato River by a fleet of four canoes to its final resting place at the sacred Mount Taupiri.

Cultural advisor Karaitiana Taiuru noted that there is hope that the younger leader will bring the Maori people closer to addressing modern issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), genetic modification, and global warming, as well as confronting the new world’s challenges and threats to New Zealand’s indigenous population.

The Maori make up about 17% of New Zealand's population, approximately 900,000 people. They face greater challenges compared to other New Zealanders, including higher rates of unemployment, poverty, chronic diseases, and suicide, leading to an average life expectancy that is about seven years shorter than that of other New Zealanders.