The Māori monarch is the ceremonial leader of the Māori people in New Zealand, representing their cultural heritage and traditions. This role is not a political position but serves to unify and promote Māori identity and values. The current monarch is King Tuheitia Paki, who has held the title since 2006. The Māori monarchy is rooted in the Kīngitanga movement, established in the 1850s to unite various Māori tribes against colonial pressures. The monarch participates in various cultural events and ceremonies, fostering connections between Māori communities and promoting their rights and interests within New Zealand society.