Dame Te Atairangikaahu

No Minister No Portfolio

Letter of condolence from Prime Minister Helen Clark to Te Whanau Pani o Te Atairangikaahu
Turangawaewae Marae
Ngaruawahia

Oho ana te mauri i te rongo kua moe a Te Atairangikaahu i te moenga roa. He wahine wehi he wahine kaha ki te hiki i nga mahi mo ona iwi. Kei te tangi te Ao Maori me te Ao Pakeha mo tenei wahine humarie. Ko ia te manawa o Waikato Tainui, o te iwi Maori nana i tuhonohono nga iwi.

I send my aroha to you, the whanau pani, and with my government express deepest sympathy at the loss of Te Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Over the years of coming to Turangawaewae and meeting with Dame Te Ata in other settings, I have gained a profound respect for her wisdom, talents, and humour.

New Zealand has lost a national treasure -- a woman of great judgement and vision who has touched the lives of all who met her.

In this time of sorrow I hope you may draw strength from your people and the many others who will pay tribute to Dame Te Ata and her work

Aku mihi aroha

Helen Clark,
Prime Minister
16 August 2006

* Translation of first paragraph:
My spirit (literally life force) has been startled by the news of the passing of Te Atairangikaahu: an awe inspiring woman, a strong woman who worked assiduously for her people. The Maori world and the Pakeha world mourn the loss of this gentle woman. She is the heart of Waikato Tainui, and she drew together Maori people and the tribes.

Documents on the Beehive website relating to the tangi of Te Ariki Dame Te Atairangikaahu:
  • Prime Minister Helen Clark's 22 August speech leading a special session of Parliament paying tribute to Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu is here.
  • Nanaia Mahuta says Tuheitia Paki was named as successor to Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu here.
  • Nanaia Mahuta says mourners gathered outside the gates of Tûrangawaewae Marae at to pay their final respects to the Mâori Queen (19 August) here.
  • Nanaia Mahuta says manuhiri wishing to pay their final respects to Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu at Turangawaewae marae have the opportunity to do so on Saturday 19 August, here.
  • Prime Minister Helen Clark's 18 August speech at the Tangi of Te Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu is here.
  • Nanaia Mahuta's update on visitors and condolences (17 August)here.
  • Nanaia Mahuta, the MP for Tainui and spokesperson for the family, pays tribute here.
  • Luamanuvao Winnie Laban pays tribute here.
  • Mita Ririnui pays tribute here.