Kiingi Tūheitia died yesterday, aged 69.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou upoko Edward Ellison said he was a "significant figure" in Māoridom.
"We’re very sorry to hear of his passing.
"He’s been playing quite a statesmanship role in the current climate that we have, calling all Māori people together under the cloak of kotahitanga.
"I think he’s been pivotal in showing positivity and getting Māori to rally around, talk to each other and work our way forward.
"He filled the role well."
Mr Ellison said he had met the Māori King a few times over the years and found him to be a quiet man.
"He’s a quietly spoken man, but when he talks, you listen."
Mr Ellison said a group from the local rūnanga was now preparing to travel to the tangi.
A Kiingitanga spokesperson said Kiingi Tūheitia had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, days after celebrating the anniversary of his Coronation.
He died peacefully yesterday morning surrounded by family.
"The death of Kiingi Tūheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom and the entire nation.
"He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki. Moe mai raa [A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love]."
He would now be taken to Tūrangawaewae marae, and his tangihanga was expected to last for at least five days.
It is likely his successor will be named at the end of the tangi.
Kiingi Tūheitia succeeded his mother Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, following her death in 2006.
He was the seventh of the line of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, to head the Kiingitanga, which was founded in 1858.
Kiingitanga chief of staff Ngira Simmonds said Kiingi Tūheitia believed in the vision of his ancestors and understood his role and duties and wanted to bring unity to Māoridom.
"He served to the very last."
His successor would be decided by a group of leaders within the Kiingitanga movement, Archdeacon Simmonds said.
In the next few days, Tainui (the tribes in the Waikato) who look after the Kiingitanga, will gather before being joined by other iwi.
There will be a day set aside for foreign dignitaries.
There will be an election for his successors.
The kiingi will be laid to rest on the urupa with his mother and other kings atop Taupiri mountain.
Kiingi Tūheitia is survived by his wife Te Atawhai and their two sons Whatumoana and Korotangi, and daughter Ngawaihono. — Additional reporting RNZ
