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 ...

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.

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.