16 August 2006

Green Party mourns loss of Maori Queen

The Green Party is today expressing deep regret at the passing of the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

"We wish to extend our deepest aroha to her whanau, and especially to our parliamentary colleague, Nanaia Mahuta. While she was a beloved leader to many, Dame Te Ata was a nanny and a mum first, and she will be terribly missed by her family," Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

"Dame Te Ata was a public figure and leader of enormous dignity, who demonstrated that leadership is about service, not stardom or wealth. It is hugely sad to have lost such an important and committed wahine toa, wahine rangatira.

"Her vast contribution to the good of all Maori is apparent in the Maori Women's Welfare League, in the Kohanga Reo movement, and in the many other community initiatives that she supported and nurtured.

"These are her legacy, along with a robust and healthy Kingitanga movement that will continue to provide leadership for Maori for many generations.

"We will be attending Dame Te Ata's tangi to pay our respects to her for her committed service to Maori and to the country, and to acknowledge the grief of her whanau," Ms Fitzsimons says.

ENDS

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