New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died Friday at age 69, days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne.

New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died peacefully on Friday at age 69, according to a statement released by his representatives.

New Zealand media reported the king was expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, the seat of the Māori king, for five days, then would be taken to rest on Taupiri Mountain.

New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia has died only days after celebrating 18 years of his rule. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Britain's King Charles were among those who expressed sorrow.

The king of New Zealand's Indigenous Maori people died Friday while recovering from heart surgery at age 69, with aides saying he had "passed to the great.

The king of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died peacefully on Friday, according to his representatives. He was 69.

Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Maori King Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae meets with Britain’s Prince Charles (unseen) in Ngaruawahia, south of Auckland, New Zealand November 8, 2015.

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga (AP) — New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died Friday at age 69, days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne. Tuheitia died ...

New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia has died only days after celebrating 18 years of his rule. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Britain's King Charles were among those who expressed sorrow.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died peacefully Friday at the age of 69. He passed away days after the celebration of his 18th year on the ...

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII died peacefully Friday at the age of 69. He passed away days after the celebration of his 18th year on the ...