Mourners are starting to gather in Ngaruawahia, to pay their final farewells to Kiingi Tuheitia

The Maori King has died peacefully from complications from heart surgery, at the age of 69, surrounded by his wife and children.

Preparations are underway at Turangawaewae Marae for Tuheitia's tangi.

Chief of Staff Ngira Simmonds has told TVNZ, Tuheitia will be taken to the mahau -- the verandah -- of the Mahinarangi building, today.

He says Tuheitia will lie in state for the next week, before a funeral will be held -- with details being confirmed later this morning.

Tuheitia will move to his final resting place -- on Taupiri Mountain -- next week.