Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Farewell to Maori Queen in New Zealand






Maori Queen’s Funeral At Turangawaiwai

WELLINGTON (Reuters) — Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered to bury the Maori queen, one of the country’s most respected indigenous leaders, and celebrate the inauguration of her son as her successor. The tribal home of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, was overflowing as Maori of many tribes, New Zealand and Pacific political leaders, and many others of different races attended her funeral ceremony. Dame Te Atairangikaahu ONZ, DBE, (23 July 1931 – 15 August 2006) was the Māori Queen for 40 years.
--
Peceli and I were briefly in New Zealand one time and what a lovely place it is. We drove to Hamilton following the Waikato River. I think that Pacific people from various Island states feel warm towards the Maori people. We have many Maori friends here in Geelong and sometimes attend their weddings and parties and meet up with them at rugby of course.
W.

1 comment:

nzm said...

Ah - she was a beautiful and regal woman who will be sadly missed. One of the last of the old Maori elders with wisdom and a sense of being able to see both sides equally.