New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia has died only days after celebrating 18 years of his rule. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Britain’s King Charles were among those who expressed sorrow.

    • HappycamperNZ@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Maori here

      Don’t think like European monarch - couldn’t point this guy out or name him.

      Not entirely sure why we have one, what he does or even where he is. Probably something to do with our co-governance requirements.

      • Longpork3@lemmy.nz
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        2 months ago

        The kīngitanga movement arose generally out of opposition to european expansion. Groups of Māori determined that if they could unite the disparate tribes under a single leader they would have more power to resist the british.

        It only dates back to the 1800s and doesnt have the support of all tribes, but much like the european monarchs they are effectively just soft power figureheads.