Kīngi Tūheitia was laid to rest on Taupiri Maunga after a heartfelt funeral in Ngāruawāhia.
The King’s final journey began at Tūrangawaewae Marae, where he traveled by waka along the Waikato River, accompanied by six other waka. His burial was attended by thousands who gathered to pay their respects, many performing haka and karanga as the procession passed.
Once at the base of the maunga, rope handlers from Raungaiti Rugby Club carried the King to the summit for his burial. This route mirrored that of his mother, the late Māori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who was buried there in 2006. The day began with a ceremony at Tūrangawaewae Marae where Kīngi Tūheitia’s only daughter, Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki, was announced as his successor.
Kīngi Tūheitia, who ruled the Kīngitanga since 2006, passed away on August 30 at the age of 69 after undergoing heart surgery. The week leading up to his funeral saw many iwi from across New Zealand visit Ngāruawāhia to honor their King. The ceremonies concluded with a feast at Tūrangawaewae Marae, marking the end of the tangihanga.
