Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvii II has extended condolences following the passing of Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. 

In a heartfelt message addressed to the Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro, His Highness conveyed the sympathies of Samoa's government and people.

“On behalf of Samoa, I offer our deepest condolences to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of New Zealand, especially the Maoridom,” His Highness stated. 

"King Tuheitia's eighteen year reign represented strength and unity for Maori in a rapidly changing world. He was dedicated to peace and envisioned a future where people were treated with dignity and respect. His passing is a great loss to New Zealand and our Pacific region."

Local media, including 1NewsNZ, has confirmed that the funeral of Māori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII will take place on Thursday. The event promises to be a momentous and emotional occasion.

Prior to the funeral, a significant ceremony to appoint the new Māori monarch will occur. Known as Te Whakawahinga, or ‘the raising up,’ this traditional ritual is a crucial part of the succession process. The ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will see the Tekau-mā-rua (King’s advisory council) officially usher the new monarch to the throne.

The anointment ceremony will blend traditional Māori takutaku and Christian prayers, with some aspects of the proceedings kept sacred and not visible to all attendees. Following Te Whakawahinga, the final funeral service for King Tuheitia will commence.

After the service, the King’s body will be transported from the marae to the Waikato River, accompanied by a guard of honour comprising Ngāti Māhanga and the New Zealand Defence Force. 

He will be placed on the waka Tātahi Ora, with three additional waka—Waikura, Tākitumu, and Te Tīmatanga—joining the procession to Taupiri Maunga. The journey, spanning approximately 10 kilometers, is expected to take up to two hours. 

Upon arrival at Taupiri Maunga, the King will be transferred to the care of the Taniwharau and Tūrangawaewae Rugby League Clubs and the Raungaiti Rugby Club, who will carry him to his final resting place at the mountain’s summit.