Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu – 15 August 2006 July 23 1931

Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu
July 23 1931 – 15 August 2006
A Multicultural Tribute
New Zealand Diversity Forum, Te Papa
Tuesday 22 August, 2006
Te rangatira te whaea o Te Motu
Tenei te tangi te heke o te roimata
Mou kua wehe kua ngaro atu nei
Takahia te ara ki Te Reinga, Te Rerenga
Wairua
Ki a rātou nga matua tupuna
Haere, haere ra e whae
Whakangaro i konei
Your honour, Lady of the Land
We all mourn and weep for you
Who have departed from us
Tread the spiritual pathway to Te Reinga,
Te Rerenga Wairua
To the host of your ancestors before you
Farewell to you, forever farewell
A mighty kauri has fallen.
This is a tremendously sad day for
Maoridom and for all of New Zealand
because Dame Te Ata has been one of our
great leaders. With 40 years as the Maori
Queen, and the head of a very, very big
movement in Maoridom, she is
acknowledged throughout the country as a
great rangatira - a great leader.
Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister
It's a very sad day.
Dame Te Ata was for 40 years the Maori
Queen and she brought to that role a quiet
dignity which commanded respect from
everybody, both Maori and Pakeha.
Don Brash
Leader of the Opposition
It is with extreme sadness that we mark the
passing of Te Arikinui, who has been more
than a queen and a spiritual leader to our
people; she has been an auntie, a friend, a
wife, mother and grandmother to four
generations of whanau. Her wisdom has
touched so many in her lifetime, that she
has many friends all over the world. She
will be truly missed.
Nanaia Mahuta
Member of Parliament, Tainui
Like a beautiful butterfly.
She has been an ariki in every sense to the
word. I don't know of any other royalty
that's been like her. She's carried out the
role fantastically - she's been supportive of
almost every initiative, she has been a lady
at all times and we're going to miss her.
Pita Sharples
Co-Leader, Maori Party
As a calm and unifying leader, Dame Te Ata has
worked with all to make this country a more
inclusive and peaceful nation for all New
Zealanders.
Dame Te Ata maintained a close and longstanding relationship with the people of the
Pacific, both in New Zealand and the Pacific. The
people of Samoa hold her with great affection.
Luamanuvao Winnie Laban
Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector
Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs
Great sadness is felt throughout the Asian
community on Dame Te Ata’s passing. I
was fortunate enough to meet her several
times and I remember her for her wisdom,
strength of character and humility. I felt
very welcome while in her presence and
believe our country is poorer for her loss.
Pansy Wong
Member of Parliament, National List
She was clear and unequivocal. She never
sacrificed her responsibility to Tainui,
Kingitanga and Maori but she also listened
and took account of the interests of New
Zealand as a whole.
Rosslyn Noonan
Chief Commissioner
Human Rights Commission
Dame Te Atairangikaahu’s style of leadership
was both humble and inspiring. Her influence
has been felt very widely. She united New
Zealanders and won great respect by leading in
a way which we could all emulate.
She has been a powerful influence for positive
race relations.
Joris de Bres
Race Relations Commissioner
Many women identified with Dame Te
Atairangikaahu through the quiet way she
carried out her style of leadership. This is
her legacy to her people, to follow in her
example.
Merimeri Penfold
Commissioner
Human Rights Commission
Kua hinga he totara nui o te wao nui o Tāne.
Haere ra e te Whaea o te motu. Haere ki te
huinga o te kahurangi, ki tua o te ārai, ki o Mātua
tupuna kua whetūrangitia. Ka noho atu koe ki te
taha o nga Ariki o te Rangi he piringatahi oti atu
ai e.
Ko to moemoea mo Aotearoa, ka mau i a matou,
kia noho tonu nga Iwi katoa o Aotearoa, ki raro i
te korowai rangimarie, kia herea i roto i te aroha
tetahi ki tetahi.
A great totara tree has fallen in the great
forest of Tāne. Farewell to the Mother of the
Nation, the Queen of Hearts, Te Arikinui Te
Atairangi Kāhu. You have gone beyond the
rainbow, to that place where the sun rises
and sets, to the meeting place of our
ancestors. You will take your place as Ariki
among the great Ariki and the greatest Ariki
of All. Your dream of Race Relations in
Aotearoa will still be our dream, to be one
people in a nation of peace and love. Haere
haere haere.
Bobby Newson
Kaiwhakarite, Human Rights Commission
I have known Dame Te Ata for many years
and her legacy is one of great dignity,
integrity and a gentleness of spirit, rare in
most people let alone someone of her
standing.
For decades she has been the voice of
reason and conciliation and she and her
influence will be sorely missed.
Bob Harvey
Waitakere Mayor
For over forty years she has displayed
decisive leadership in a calm and dignified
manner as befitted her high calling. The years
since 1966 when she was designated to lead
her people, have been momentous for Maori.
Throughout the tumultuous days of the Treaty
Settlements, the Maoritanga resurgence and
the Foreshore and Seabed legislation, her
voice was one of peace, reconciliation and
tolerance.
John A Dew
Archbishop of Wellington
We offer our deepest sympathy for a special
friend and supporter of PACIFICA. We will never
forget how she reached out to us, how she
accorded us her hospitality and her aroha as her
Polynesian sisters. We acknowledge Dame Te
Ata’s connections to our homelands in the wider
Pacific region and we offer this Samoan verse
specially written for this occasion:
Ua tagi le Fatu ma le ‘Ele’ele
‘Aua’ua pa’ le Aoa tele
Ia tafi mala lau faigamalaga
O le Atua lou ‘oliolisaga
Diane Mara
National President P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc
The NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils mourns
the passing of our Maori Queen Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu. The ethnic, migrant
and refugee communities of New Zealand will
remember her for the compassion, wisdom
and dignity that was her in all her
undertakings. Thank you and farewell our
most lovely Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu. God Bless.
Pancha Narayanan
President
NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu leaves
a legacy of leadership, vision, quiet dignity
and grace to her people as well as to all
New Zealanders. Her life embodied
passion and conviction. Our heartfelt
condolences to Tainui and all who loved
her.
Ruth DeSouza and Andy Williamson
Aoteatroa Ethnic Network
She personified everything that one
associates with the title of Queen. She
was a Queen in every sense of the word
and as such had the utmost respect of
New Zealanders from every ethnic
community. She will be greatly missed.
I extend my condolences to her family
and the Tainui people.
Wally Hirsh O.B.E JP
Former Race Relations Conciliator
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu
We mourn the loss of this great leader,
whose vision and wisdom offer hope for
those of us who dare to grapple with
issues of diversity in the hope that we
might all further enrich the whenua of
Aotearoa... Amuia e ua oti oi le Alii.
Satiu Simativa Perese on behalf of
the Board and Staff of the National
Pacific Radio Trust/NiuFM.
The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand
offers its sincere condolences to the people of
Tainui. With you, we mourn the loss of an
inspiring leader and a wonderful human being.
She was an example for all women, with the
multiplicity of achievements that all women
aspire to…We honour you, Dame Te Ata, and
hope that we will be able to continue your work,
and turn your dreams into a living reality. Be at
peace.
Anjum Rahman
Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand
The news of the passing of Te
Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, is
reflected in our deep sadness.
Haere, haere, haere.
Charles Mabbett
Asia New Zealand Foundation
The New Zealand Sikh Society (Wellington) Inc.
expresses a deep sense of loss at the passing
of the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu. She was an iconic figure.
Gurtej Singh
General Secretary
New Zealand Sikh Society (Wellington) Inc
To our respected elders, brothers and sisters assallamo alaikium wrt (greetings). On behalf of
the members of the Muslim community of Mount
Roskill and Auckland I would like to convey our
condolences to the people of Tainui on their
great loss. We share in your great loss and feel
that a part of us has broken away also. May
these small words bring you comfort, words are
only words. Was Salam.
Mohamed Moses
Mt Roskill Islamic Trust
The passing away of Te Arikinui Dame
Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen
is a great loss for the nation. Please
accept our heartfelt condolences.
Nikki Lal
Migrant Support Services
Kia Ora, Bula, Namaste and As-Salaam
Alaykum. On behalf of all our members and
whanau, I convey our deepest sympathy at the
huge loss of our much beloved Maori Queen, Te
Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Our nation
has lost a great and noble person who was well
respected and admired by all. To our Tainui
brothers and sisters please accept our very
sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you.
Alton (Apirana) Shameem
Founder and President
Fiji Club of New Zealand (FCNZ)
Her passing is a loss for all communities in
Aotearoa. We acknowledge her life’s work in
promoting peace and reconciliation, providing
strong leadership and reaching out to many
peoples and cultures.
It has been said that ‘a mighty kauri has fallen’.
Undoubtedly Dame Te Ata has left many seeds that
will bear fruit for many generations to come – her
ability to work and interact with a wide diversity of
people is a shining beacon for us all.
Mervin Singham
Director, Office of Ethnic Affairs
It is an end of a legacy but the Maori community
and every soul living in this nation will endure
her thoughts, her poise, serenity and simplicity
in their hearts and minds. People will recall with
fond memories her touch and how readily she
was accessible in the hour of need. She will
never be forgotten and will never be able to
disappear into the limbo of forgotten memories.
She will always dwell in everyone’s hearts.
Syed Akbar Kamal
Darpan-The Mirror Triangle TV
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu, a leader who leaves behind a
rich legacy of honour, wisdom and unity. On behalf of
Muslim New Zealanders, I extend our condolences to her
family. May God grant her peace to her soul and patience
to her loved ones…There is a Māori proverb that says
“Waiho mā te tangata e mihi” – let someone else sing
your praises. Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu was a
living embodiment of this proverb and we honour and
celebrate her achievements, which New Zealanders will
praise for generations to come.
Javed Khan
President
Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ
A truly royal lady, a leader of immense historic
significance who shaped Tainui, Maoridom and
Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole for 40 good
years.
Te Arikinui’s mana, spirituality and aroha made
our country greater, and she became a source of
unity, justice and hope for many.
Archbishop Brown Turei
Te Pihopa o Aotearoa
A tribute to a visionary leader much loved
and respected. May she live on in all family
members and in the hearts she has touched.
May the memory of her love and wisdom
inspire us all and may Rangatira be at
Eternal Rest. Arohanui. God Bless.
Vivian Chow, Chairperson
On behalf of The NZ Asia Association Inc
Auckland
On behalf of the Zimbabwean Community in New
Zealand, I would like to express our deepest
sympathies to the people of New Zealand on the
untimely death of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen. As a
community we farewell a Great Leader, Mother
and respected advocate of unity. May her legacy
continue and the unity among her people
strengthen.
Titus Katiyo, Chairman
Zimbabwean Association of New Zealand
We the Ethnic Communities in Lower Hutt mourn
the passing of a great lady, Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen. Her dignity and
understanding of ethnic groups has always been
an outstanding part of her personality, a loving
thought and earnest prayer, sympathy deep and
true, go from the hearts of all of us.
Anita Mansell
Hutt Ethnic Council, Wellington International
Filipino Society and Friends of New Settlers
Words are hardly adequate to express one’s
compassion and grief, particularly at the death of
a relative, a close friend or a compassionate and
wise leader. Nonetheless, may I quote the words of
our Honourable Prime Minister and say, “Dame Te
Ata departs this world leaving her people stronger
for her leadership and dedication and having
contributed to making New Zealand a better place for
us all to live in.” May she rest in peace and may God
give strength and patience to her family and people
to bear this great loss.
Gul Zaman JP, Secretary
on behalf on the Counties Manukau
Ethnic Council Inc.
It was with sadness that I read in The Times
yesterday morning while on holiday in Wales of
the death of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
The obituary in The Times added under her name
“Dignified Queen of the Maoris who preserved
her people's culture and promoted unity in New
Zealand". She was loved by both Maori
and Pakeha alike and her quiet wisdom
and dignified persona will be missed. Haere ra.
Derek Williams, Secretary
Auckland Multicultural Society
The Auckland Regional Migrant Resource
Centre Trust Board and staff wish to
convey our deepest sympathy on the
passing of the Maori Queen who we all
held in great esteem. Dame Te Ata was an
outstanding example to us all of serene
and compassionate leadership. This is an
enormous loss. Rest in Peace.
Colin Dale
Chairman
On behalf of myself and members of
Metropolitan Community Churches in
Aotearoa, I convey to all Maori of Aotearoa,
our sadness and loss in the passing of Te
Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori
Queen. A wonderful person and mentor to
both myself and the people we serve. She
will be greatly missed. Arohanui.
Rev Leigh R Neighbour
Pastor MCC Auckland
She was loved and respected by all Maori,
Pakeha, migrants and refugees of all ethnic
people alike, due to her humble and
gracious nature. She was a pillar of
Maoridom carrying herself as a dedicated
tireless leader and ambassador among all
communities…We all pray, “ May her soul
rest in Peace” She will be sadly missed by
our multicultural and multiethnic
communities.
S K Thuraisundaram. QSM, JP
I extend my heart felt condolence and
tribute to the late Maori Queen on behalf of
IQRA (Community Cultural Institution) and
members of the Bangladesh Community.
We hope the Queen, the symbol of unity of
the Maori community, will encourage unity
among the population of ethnic diversity in
our new homeland, New Zealand.
Sharif Fattah
Ua Gasolosolo Ao, Mafuli le La, ma ua Gasetoto le Masina.
Clouds are on the move, the Sun has Turned and there is
Blood on the Face of the Moon.
For the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangi Kahu has passed
away. We mourn her loss but we find solace in her journey
to be with her Almighty God.
Dame Te Ata has been a pillar of dignity and inspired
leadership, and her genuine search for a region to be
connected to her people is a legacy we will never forget.
She has been a true friend of the Pacific and we will
continue to honour her.
Ia manuia lau faigamalaga lau Afioga ile Tupu Tama’ita’i.
Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira
Deputy Chairman
Samoan Advisory Council Wellington
Dame te Ata-i-Rangikaahu was an exceptional
human being. She was a wonderful example of
someone who was called to a role she could never
have been ready for but in which she successfully
developed a formidable combination of insight,
dignity, warmth and shrewdness. Perhaps her
greatest achievement was to generate among all
New Zealanders, Maori and non-Maori, a sense
that she was everybody's Queen. History will be
very grateful to her for that.
Chris Laidlaw
Former Race Relations Conciliator
To Tainui and the Maori Community:
The New Zealand Chinese Association Inc
offers its respects and condolences on the
occasion of the passing of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen.
We have all suffered the loss of a great leader
of the Maori people whose dignity, wisdom and
influence will be sorely missed by the various
communities in New Zealand.
Kai Luey
President New Zealand Chinese Association
Dame Te Ata was a remarkable person
always bridging the divide no matter how
great the gulf. I salute a proud leader of her
people and a wonderful New Zealander. A
great leader has passed on, but "the
lady's" legacy will live from mokopuna to
mokopuna.
Gregory Fortuin
SA Honorary Consul and Former Race
Relations Conciliator
The New Zealand Tongan community join with
the tangata whenua and other New Zealanders in
mourning the passing of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen…Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu will be remembered by
all for her grace, guidance and the stability she
provided in a challenging and changing world.
A Maori Queen who provided leadership for
everyone in Aotearoa, as well as across the
Pacific region, where Te Moana Nui a Kiwa
connects us all...
Faka'apa'apa 'atu
Tongan Advisory Council of New Zealand
The ethnic groups represented by the Waitakere
Ethnic Board and the ethnic people of Waitakere
join in morning the passing away of Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu…We pray for her soul to
rest in peace. The important role she played for the
Maori community in particular and for the people of
New Zealand in general will always be remembered
and valued.
Ann Pala , President
On Behalf of the Waitakere Ethnic Board
Waitakere City
Kia Ora Koutou, Nomoshkar
Bengalis share many similarities with tangata
whenua, such as the rich traditional culture,
respect to kaumatua, a whanau based socioeconomic structure and ‘walking backwards to
the future’ embracing those who have passed on
ahead of us. We will remember the Queen with
respect for her leadership in furthering these
values, her humble manners and simple
lifestyle.
Dr Madhumati Chatterji, President
Probasee Bengalee Association of NZ Inc
We the President and the members of the
Auckland Regional Ethnic Council were sorry to
hear about the sad demise of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu. She was spiritual, holy
grandmother, mother, daughter and loved and
liked by one and all from the various ethnic
communities of wider Auckland. She was regarded
by the ethnic community of wider Auckland as
most lovable queen of the present time. We all
pray for her family who will be missing her very
closely.
Auckland Regional Ethnic Council
We feel very sorry about the sad news of the
passing away of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen. We would
like to express our feelings about this simple,
down to earth lady, whom we understood as
spiritual guide to the Maori as well as other
indigenous people living on the earth. We
pray her soul be in rest in heaven.
New Zealand Kannada Koota Inc
Our members have considered Te Ata, the Maori
Queen as affectionate, spiritual, humble, loving
every human being without any discrimination,
She was a true follower of Basava Philosophy,
where noble principles like Holiness of work,
donating to the needs of the community and
devotion were considered important. We pray
Basaveshwara to bless all of us to lead our life on
the visionary path of our Maori Queen, Te Ata.
Basava Samithi of Australasia –
New Zealand Chapter
For us mother queen of Maori was very
special and we found her an affectionate,
visionary person, committed for the Maori
societies and others at large. We miss her
charming and dedicated personality. We pray
her soul be at rest in the heaven.
New Zealand Vedanta Education Society
I wish to submit our honoured tribute to the
great soul of Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu who was regarded as guide,
philosopher, spiritual leader, above all
humble grand mother, mother, daughter to
the loved and close ones. Our community
has lost a great soul and honoured lady of
the present period. It is huge loss to the
country as well as to the community of Maori
as well as others as wider community.
Dr Lingappa Kalburgi, Chairperson
Sandringham Community Centre
We share in the loss of the mother of the nation of
Aotearoa. We join in hearts to bid her farewell in
this life where she set an excellent example in her
role as Queen, full of compassion, kindness and
consideration for this nation. We greatly mourn
her departure and the immense loss suffered by
this nation. We pray to the All Mighty to make her
onward journey a trouble free one and one that is
filled with the light that she had left behind for the
nation. Assalamu Alaikum – may your onward
journey be filled with peace.
Working Together Group (WTG)
working with Muslim grassroots
We are saddened by the death of Dame Te Ata, a
great leader who inspired many in Aotearoa and
across the world. To the people of Tainui and
whanau of Dame Te Ata, our heartfelt
condolences. May she rest in peace.
Jennifer Janif, Umma Trust, Auckland, Koos Ali
Wellington, Mahad Warsame, Chairperson,
Auckland Somali Community Association,
Hashem Slaimankhel, Afghani Community,
Auckland, Arief Saied, Afghani Community,
Auckland, Hassan Hosseini, NZ Ethnic Social
Services,Auckland
Waikato Ethnic Council Inc wishes to
convey their heartfelt condolences on
behalf of the Ethnic Community in
Waikato to the family of the Maori Queen
Dame Te Atairangikaahu and the people
of Tainui. We echo the sentiments of all
the people of Aotearoa and praise the
great effort of their graceful leader who
worked on their behalf for the last forty
years.
Nagan Suppiah
President - Waikato Ethnic Council Inc.
Te Arikinui was a wonderful person and
leader. She was a much-loved and
hugely respected woman and our
thoughts are with her family and people
at this time. Her passing away is a huge
loss not only for the Maori but all New
Zealanders. On behalf of the Trustees,
Management and Senior citizens of
Shanti Niwas, please accept our heart
felt condolences.
Indu Bajaj QSM, MSW
Project Manager, Shanti Niwas
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu will
always be remembered for her grace
and dignity. Her ability to bring different
ethnic groups together, eliminating
disputes and engaging peaceful and
meaningful dialogue amongst all, was
an incredible “gift”.
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu's
passing is a great loss not only for
Maori tribes but for all people living in
New Zealand.
Vijeshwar Prasad, QSM, JP, President
Ethnic Council of Rangitikei-Wanganui
Oue tulou. Monu Tagaloa. Tau manatu
fakaalofa ha ko e ha mutolu/tautolu a
tau loto momoko. Fakaaue ha ko
e haana a takitakiaga, to nakai nimo.
Pefi Kingi
NIU Development Inc
National Pacific Problem Gambling
Service
Dame Te Atairangikaahu expressed clearly her
attachment to whanau and iwi, to tikanga
Maori, and showed her love of tradition,
support for change, and her aims for unity. The
mana of her personality and activities reflected
on all New Zealanders, and inspired the
striving for a harmonious society in Aotearoa
that the interfaith movement also aims for.
From the range of faiths represented in our
Council, we express our hope that her eternal
soul will rest in peace.
“Haere ki te Rangituhaha, te marae o Te Matua
Nui i Te Rangi. Haere ! Haera ! Haere atu ra”
Wellington Interfaith Council
There is a great sadness at the loss of Dame Te Ata. I was
very fortunate to meet her twice. Once was at the 25th
anniversary of her Coronation. The other was at a private
concert, when the Gypsy King of Hungary met and played the
famous Hungarian violin for her – both were very special
occasions. I came to this country from other countries, but
when I came here I not only found a new country, but the
home I never had before. The friendliness and hospitality I
experienced in this land, we in the Ethnic Council like to
convey to the new migrants that come to our shores. The
great presence and the beauty of Dame Te Ata will stay with
us for a long time.
Hella Wilson, President
Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council
Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu and Beloved Family
May you always know
That others truly care
And may this help in some small way
To ease the sorrow that you bear
With heartfelt sympathy
Prem Singh (President)
On behalf of the members of the Ethnic
Council Wellington
Tena koutou, Assalamu alaikum, greetings and
peace.
On behalf of the Council of Christians and
Muslims NZ (Inc) we send our condolences on
the death of Te Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Her gracious leadership over many years has
influenced the life of this nation, across ethnic,
cultural and religious boundaries. We give
thanks to Almighty God/Allah for her life and her
contribution towards peace and justice for all
peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ashraf Anwar & Bruce Keeley (Co-Presidents)
It is with deep sadness that the NZ Jewish
Community marks the passing of Dame Te
Atairangikaahu and the huge loss to Maoridom of
a much loved and loving Queen. We join the
nation in our grief for a woman of great worth
and dignity who we were honoured to host at the
Synagogue in Auckland , and who joined us at a
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) ceremony at
Parliament. In the words of the ancient Hebrew
memorial prayer El Malei Rachamin "May G-d.of
Compassion gather her in the shelter of your
wings and may her soul be bound in the bond of
life."
Stephen Goodman, President, NZJC
I think a fitting tribute to Te Arikinui Dame
Te Atairangikaahu and her leadership
would be:
“See in the hearts of my people a love that
endures, a faith that inspires and hands
that link in unity to bind us in one
purpose”.
Nanaia Mahuta
Member of Parliament, Tainui
TUPU TAMA’ITA’I
Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu
Maori Queen we farewell you with aroha
Your life of service inspires us to work together
A bridge between our peoples truly building a nation
May we honour you by fulfilling your message of peace
Our children's children will write and sing songs of your life
Aotearoa mourns the passing away of a gracious Mother of
this nation
*Tupu tama’ita’i the Samoan word for Queen
Rev Mua Strickson-Pua
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand,
Community worker, Educationalist, Artist & Poet.
Te Arikinui
Dame Te Atairangikaahu
July 23 1931 – 15 August 2006