New Zealand Maori Queen. She was simply known to her people as "the Lady" for her stately manners and royal bearing. Born at Waahi Marae, Huntly, New Zealand in 1938, she was the daughter of King Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao and mother Te Atairangikaahu Herangi, and the granddaughter of Princess Te Puia. Much of her early life is unknown, but in May 1966, she became Queen of the Maori people upon the death of her father, King Tawhiao. During the next forty years, she became the highly respected leader of the Maori people in New Zealand, often visiting other countries as their representative. In 1987, she became one of the first New Zealanders to be awarded the Order of New Zealand, her country's highest honor, and the first Maori woman to be named a "Dame" by British Queen Elizabeth II (New Zealand is a member of the British commonwealth). She was instrumental in promoting the Maori people throughout the world. Her health obviously failing at the 40th celebration of her Coronation in May 2006, she suffered a heart attack a few weeks later, and died shortly afterwards from kidney failure.
New Zealand Maori Queen. She was simply known to her people as "the Lady" for her stately manners and royal bearing. Born at Waahi Marae, Huntly, New Zealand in 1938, she was the daughter of King Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao and mother Te Atairangikaahu Herangi, and the granddaughter of Princess Te Puia. Much of her early life is unknown, but in May 1966, she became Queen of the Maori people upon the death of her father, King Tawhiao. During the next forty years, she became the highly respected leader of the Maori people in New Zealand, often visiting other countries as their representative. In 1987, she became one of the first New Zealanders to be awarded the Order of New Zealand, her country's highest honor, and the first Maori woman to be named a "Dame" by British Queen Elizabeth II (New Zealand is a member of the British commonwealth). She was instrumental in promoting the Maori people throughout the world. Her health obviously failing at the 40th celebration of her Coronation in May 2006, she suffered a heart attack a few weeks later, and died shortly afterwards from kidney failure.
Bio by: Jeff J
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