Wellington, 30 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) — New Zealand's Māori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero has died, aged 69, his office said on Friday.

The Māori monarch died in hospital where he was recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

"The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation," a statement from Tuheitia's office said.

"A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love."

Flags on all government and public buildings would be flown at half-mast "as a mark of Aotearoa New Zealand's deepest mourning and respect," the Ministry of Culture said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he would remember the king's dedication to the country.

"His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation."

"I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna (the next generation), his passion for te ao Māori (the Māori world), and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect."

British King Charles said he and his wife Camilla were "profoundly saddened" to learn of the death.

"I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades. He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion," a statement from Charles said.

He had met Tuheitia many times, including at his coronation.

"His death is a particular shock in view of the fact that I had only very recently spoken to Kiingi on the telephone at the beginning of August," Charles said.

He and Camilla extended their deepest condolences to Kiingi Tuheitia's family and friends and all those who would mourn his loss, Charles said.

"Our special thoughts and prayers will be with you at this most difficult and heartbreaking of times."

Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern said Tuheitia had been an "advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice and prosperity," she wrote in a social media post.

"You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope. You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa," Ardern said.

"And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome - including me. Nga mihi nui, Kingi (eternal thanks, King). Rest easy now."

Tuheitia will lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae, the king's official residence, for about five days before being taken to his final resting place at Taupiri Mountain.

Hundreds of thousands of people, including leaders from around the Pacific, are expected at the marae to pay their respects.

The Kiingitanga (Māori King movement) was founded in 1858 with the aim of uniting Māori under a single sovereign.

Tuheitia became the seventh Māori monarch upon his coronation in 2006 after the death of his mother, Māori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

It is expected Tuheitia's successor will be decided by a group of leaders within the Kiingitanga movement before his burial.