The father of Kingi Tuheitia, Whatumoana Paki, has died at the age of 85 after battling a long illness.
Mr Paki was from Ngati Whawhakia and Te Aupouri and in his early years was a mechanic by trade.
He was married to the first Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who died in 2006.
A spokesperson for the Maori King says the whanau pani (bereaved family) has not yet decided where Mr Paki's tangi will be held.
