News of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia has prompted an outpouring of love for the 69-year-old leader.
Kingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII spoke last week at Koroneihana celebrations which marked the 18th anniversary of his coronation before reportedly staying in hospital recovering from heart surgery.
A statement posted on the Kingitanga Facebook Page read: "The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maoridom and the entire nation."
Ex-prime minister Jacinda Ardern honoured Tuheitia, writing: "You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa".
Te Pati Maori leader Rawiri Waiti shared a photo with the leader,captioned: "I love you and I will miss you King. Whoatu ra koe ki o matua tipuna ki te po".
Miss National New Zealand finalist Rosemary Poi also paid tribute in a Facebook post, saying "Your humility, kindness, and cheeky spirit touched us all deeply".
The Monarch will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days before being laid to rest on Taupiri Mountain.
