Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

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

2. A Multicultural Tribute New Zealand Diversity Forum, Te Papa Tuesday 22 August, 2006

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 long-standing 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21.  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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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)

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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 theCounties Manukau Ethnic Council Inc.

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. Kia Ora Koutou, Nomoshkar Bengalis share many similarities with tangata whenua, such as the rich traditional culture, respect to kaumatua, a whanau based socio-economic 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

49. 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

50. 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