New Zealand’s Māori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero has died, aged 69, his office said on Friday. The Māori monarch died in hospital where he was recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation. “The death of Kiingi Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Maaoridom and the entire nation,” a statement from Tuheitia’s office said. “A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.” Flags on all government and public buildings would be flown at half-mast “as a mark of Aotearoa New Zealand’s deepest mourn…