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The health challenges of Māori King Tūheitia: How did he face physical and political challenges?
Maori King Tūheitia has been an important leader of the Maori people since he ascended the throne in 2006. As the chief of Kīngitanga, he not only shouldered the responsibility of cultural inspections, but also faced major health challenges. The king's life and work reflect the intersection and struggle between physical health and political tasks. Especially in recent years, his health has attracted increasing attention.
"What I face is not only physical pain, but also the responsibility to speak out for the people."
Tūheitia suffered from poor health over the past few decades, often requiring hospitalization. He received a kidney transplant in 2016, donated by his son. Later, in 2014, he publicly announced that he was suffering from diabetes and unspecified cancer, and in 2013 he entrusted the throne to his eldest son Whatumoana due to health problems.
In addition to the physical challenges, Tūheitia certainly comes with political pressures. In January 2024, he convened a national hui this year to promote the unity of the Maori community and resist the negative impact of the new National Party government's policy on the Treaty of Waitangi. The conference attracted key figures from across the country to discuss government policy towards Māori communities and focused on the preservation of language and culture.
"Our best protest right now is to be our Maori people, live our values and speak our language."
Such rhetoric reflects Tūheitia’s deep concern for Māori people. His encouragement not only reflects his commitment to culture, but also demonstrates his awareness of setting an example for the future of the nation. Despite his own frailty, he remains invincible and continues his responsibility as a voice for the Māori community.
At the hui, he raised a series of concerns about government policy, particularly the impact of the removal of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori health agency, and the curtailment of Māori language use. He stressed that the response from mainstream society across the country must be heard to ensure that appropriate support and resources are not denied.
It is against this background that Tūheitia held his eighteenth kaban hui (coronation commemoration celebration) on August 19, 2024. Although health concerns remain, the day's events attracted participation from leaders from all walks of life. His light undoubtedly shines through in these moments, continuing to deliver hope and strength to the Maori people.
The monarch's political meddling and ongoing health challenges reflected the physical and political challenges he faced simultaneously. His status and responsibility have made him a beacon for Maori people, guiding the difficult road. Even amid all the difficulties he faced, he remained persistent and worked tirelessly to speak for the people.
"I always believe that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, both physically and spiritually."
On August 30, 2024, Tūheitia unfortunately passed away after surgery, ending his 69 years of life. The king continued to influence people from his deathbed until the end of his life, and was succeeded by his daughter Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō. The departure of Tūheitia is not only a great loss to Maori culture, but also requires the entire society to find new leaders while losing this leader with a sense of mission. How does Tūheitia help people redefine their identity in contemporary society?
