Former chief of staff reflects on King Tuheitia two years after his death
Ngira Simmonds, who worked closely with Kiingi Tuheitia, remembers the late monarch's character and the personal moments that defined his reign.
Two years after the death of Kiingi Tuheitia PĹŤtatau Te Wherowhero VII, his former chief of staff and private secretary Ngira Simmonds has shared reflections on his time serving the monarch. Simmonds describes Tuheitia's approach to leadership as grounded in genuine connection with people, marked by quiet gestures, humour and authenticity rather than grand performances. He recounts how Tuheitia inherited not just a title but a movement stretching back to the 19th century, and spent his reign learning to be himself within that profound responsibility. The reflection comes as attention turns towards the current monarch, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, whose own leadership style is emerging.
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A step or two behind the king
Two years after the death of Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, his former chief of staff and private secretary Ngira Simmonds remembers him and the ordinary things that made him an extraordinary king. For years, most of my mornings…