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Download AudioThe body of Kiingi Tuheitia has been moved to the mahau of the house Mahinarangi on Turangawarewae Marae as the tribes assemble for a tangi that will run until the end of next week.
The king died early this morning surrounded by family after having a heart operation on Tuesday.
He was 69 and had just marked the 18th anniversary of succeeding his mother Te Atairangikaahu as the head of the Kingitanga.
Waatea Digital reporter Kawe Roes says it’s a day of deep mourning for all within the Kingitanga, especially those from within the Tainui confederation of tribes.
The main focus today is for all of Tainui descent to go to Turangawaewae to ensure the kahui ariki family are well loved and hear the outpouring of griwf their people have for them.
“It is also more than that. We have a king who has passed who has left a wife,whio haft three children and has left mokopuna behind so our moan focus is to ensure the family has the love and support they need at this time.
“Te Ao Maori is mourning a king and a family is mourning the loss of a father and a grandfather,” Mr Roes says.
The next few days will focus on the legacy of Kiingi Tuheitia and what he has done to bring together Maoridom.
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