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  Maori Queen dies after 40 years on the throne
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ContributorThomas Walker 
Last EditedThomas Walker  Aug 15, 2006 01:20pm
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CategoryObituary
News DateTuesday, August 15, 2006 07:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionThe Maori Queen, one of Maoridom's most respected leaders, has died.

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, died at home in Ngaruawahia, near Hamilton, today after a long battle with failing health.

The longest-serving head of the Kingitanga movement was 75.

A statement from the family tonight said: "After a long period of illness Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu passed away peacefully at her residence at Turangawaewae Marae .... at 5.32pm. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and kaumatua."

The family said a tangihanga would be held at Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaruawahia. Details of funeral arrangements were yet to be announced.

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu was admitted to Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit after a heart attack a month ago but was discharged to her home.

Just after 6pm today, Tainui leaders told journalists that she had died.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said of Dame Te Ata's death that "a mighty kauri has fallen."

National Party leader Don Brash also expressed his sadness.

Miss Clark said Dame Te Ata had achieved a tremendous amount for Maoridom and New Zealand "with quiet dignity, humility, humour and warmth".

Dame Te Ata had been at the forefront of many initiatives from Maori language revitalisation to Maori education, welfare and the promotion of Maori culture, arts and sport.

She had been a unifying figure, using her mana to bring Maori and Pakeha together, Miss Clark said.

"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. She will be greatly missed."

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said everyone had looked up to the Maori Queen, whether they were political figures or whanau.

Co-leader Pita Sharples said she had inspired the respect of prime ministers and presidents, world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and had been "utterly loved at home".
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