Kiingi Tuheitia, the Maori king who called for unity among New Zealand’s Indigenous tribes during his 18 years in his ceremonial but influential role, died on Friday. He was 69.

       His death was announced on social media by the Kiingitanga, or the Maori King Movement. The announcement did not say where he died or specify a cause, but the Kiingitanga said he had been in a hospital recovering from heart surgery.

       “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maoridom and the entire nation,” Rahui Papa, a spokesman for the Kiingitanga, said in a statement.

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