Te Atairangikaahu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu |
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| Queen of the Kingitanga | |||||
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| Māori Queen | |||||
| Reign | 23 May 1966 – 15 August 2006 | ||||
| Coronation | 23 May 1966 | ||||
| Predecessor | Korokī Te Rata Mahuta Tāwhiao Te Wherowhero | ||||
| Successor | Tuheitia Paki | ||||
| Born | 23 July 1931 Waahi Marae, Huntly, New Zealand |
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| Died | 15 August 2006 (aged 75) Turangawaewae Marae, Ngāruawāhia, New Zealand |
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| Burial | 21 August 2006 Mount Taupiri, New Zealand |
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| Spouse | Whatumoana Paki | ||||
| Issue | 7 children: Heeni Katipa (née Paki); Tomairangi Paki; Tuheitia Paki; Kiki Solomon (née Paki); Mihi Gabrielle Paki; Maharaia Paki; and Te Manawanui Clarkson (née Paki) | ||||
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| House | Te Wherowhero | ||||
| Father | Korokī Te Rata Mahuta Tāwhiao Te Wherowhero | ||||
| Mother | Te Atairangikaahu Herangi | ||||
Dame Te Atairangikaahu (born 23 July 1931, died 15 August 2006) was the Māori Queen for 40 years. This was the longest time any Māori monarch has ruled. Her full name and title was Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
The title Te Arikinui means Paramount Chief. Her name Te Atairangikaahu means "the hawk of the morning sky". These names were given to her when she became queen. Before that, she was known as Princess Piki Mahuta. After she got married, she was called Princess Piki Paki.
Contents
Her Life Story
Te Atairangikaahu was born with the name Pikimene Korokī Mahuta. Her parents were Korokī Mahuta and Te Atairangikaahu Hērangi. She had adopted brothers and sisters, including Sir Robert Mahuta. His daughter, Nanaia Mahuta, later became an important politician.
Te Atairangikaahu was a descendant of the first Māori King, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. She became queen the day her father, King Korokī, was buried. She went to Rakaumanga Primary School and Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.
In 1952, she married Whatumoana Paki. They had seven children together: Tuheitia Paki, Heeni Katipa, Tomairangi Paki, Kiki Solomon, Mihi Gabrielle Paki, Maharaia Paki, and Te Manawanui Clarkson.
Awards and Recognition
Te Atairangikaahu received many important awards. In 1970, she was the first Māori person to be made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This award was given "for outstanding services to the Māori people."
In 1987, she was the first person ever appointed to the Order of New Zealand. This is a very special award. She also received honorary degrees from Waikato University in 1973 and Victoria University in 1999. In 1986, she became an Officer of the Order of St John.
Later Years and Health
In December 2005, Te Atairangikaahu began treatment for kidney problems. In July 2006, she had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. She was able to go home later that month to celebrate her 75th birthday.
Her Death
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu died on 15 August 2006. She was 75 years old. She passed away at her home, Turangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia. Six of her seven children were with her.
Her death led to a week of mourning for Māori people. Her funeral was held on 21 August 2006. She was buried on Taupiri mountain in an unmarked grave. This is a tradition for Māori monarchs, showing they are equal to their people. Even Queen Elizabeth II sent her condolences.
Her husband, Whatumoana Paki, wanted a tombstone for her. But Māori royal family members do not have grave markers. Instead, he honored her by planting purple roses named after her around a memorial stone near their home.
Her Time as Queen
The Māori monarch does not have a role in New Zealand's government. However, the queen was the main leader of the Waikato group of tribes. She also strongly supported Māori culture and sports. She was active in discussions about indigenous issues around the world.
Her official home was Turongo House, which is part of the Turangawaewae Marae complex. She also lived at Waahi Pa in Huntly during her reign.
Who Came Next
Tuheitia Paki, her oldest son, was chosen to be the next Māori monarch. This decision was made during the mourning period, with the help of a "kingmaker." The leaders of all the main tribes agreed to the choice. Her oldest child, daughter Heeni Katipa, was also considered for the role.
Unlike the Monarchy of New Zealand, the Māori monarch is chosen, not automatically inherited. The position is not always passed down to the oldest child. Te Atairangikaahu herself was her father's second daughter. This means any of her children, or even a leader from another tribe, could have been chosen.
See also
In Spanish: Te Atairangi Kaahu para niños
