King Tuheitia has announced he is stepping down from formal duties in the immediate future due to ill health.
At a hui on Friday at Turangawaewae Marae, King Tuheitia appointed his eldest son, Whatumoana Te Aa Paki, to take over formal duties until his health improved.
He also announced the establishment of the King's Council, formally known as Te Kaunihera A Te Kiingi, to assist and guide his son in the role.
Those on the council include Kingitanga spokesperson and former MP Tukoroirangi Morgan and Northland businessman Sir John Goulter.
King Tuheitia succeeded his mother, Dame Te Atairangi Kaahu, in 2006 and is seventh in the line of Potatau Te Wherowhero to head the Kingitanga movement.
