By: Rangimaria Smith
Im now living in Australia and the news got across the ditch really fast. My fondest memory of Te Arikinui was travelling with my Grandparents Rua Cooper and Rose Cooper-Smith to Marae throughout Tainui for their anual Poukai. When i was young Te Ariki and Whatumoana would stay at my grandparents place when our marae Whatapaka would have our Poukai.These are some memories that i have and that will not be forgotten. At a young age there were many of us travelling with our grandparents,We all learnt alot from the Queen and the Kaumatua who travelled with her. Nga Mihi nui, ki te whanau i tenei wa pouri,Kia Kaha,Kia maia,Kia manawanui. Arohanui,
- Rangimaria Smith, Sydney Poihakena, Australia
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Joy Taylor and whanau
My fondest memories will always be of the Koroneihana listening to her words of wisdom. Nothing can ever compare to that. Her humble approach to life, political situations, maori grievances, maori issues and of course maori people in general. Arohanui i nga wa katoa,
- Joy Taylor and whanau
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Brian Lewis
I was fortunate to meet the grand lady at an I.P.C held at Rehua Marae, next my Toua I thought that she was THE most gracious lady I had ever beheld. She will be sorely missed by a number of people the world over.
- Brian Lewis
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Areti Metuamate
I attended the Hui Taumata in Wellington last year as a youth delegate and the Maori Queen was in attendance. I remember getting into a lift that she was also getting into and when I moved out of her way so that she and those accompanying her could get into the lift first she signalled for me to step in before her. I though this was a sign of the type of person she was -- one who put others before herself. I had the pleasure of talking with her at the conference dinner and remember her saying how lovely it was to see young people at the Hui and the need for people to invest more time into young people. She really had a genuine interest in youth and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Arikinui will be sorely missed by the people of Tainui and people throughout New Zealand. She has been a dignified and approachable national Maori leader with a focus on unifying Maori and Pakeha New Zealanders. Today we lost the 'Mokopuna o te motu' (child of the nation) - a person with immense mana who has been a role model to her people and the peopel of New Zealand in general. Haere e te Arikinui, haere atu ra.
- Areti Metuamate
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Judy Te Whare
A beautiful, gracious and very humble wahine. Growing up as a youngster and seeing you grace our marae throughout our rohe made me feel special and very proud in that I loved having you as our queen that beautiful smile and aroha that never wavered and always glowed which in turn flowed from your beautiful face on to all of us whom you came in contact with. I will forever be grateful and cherish those beautiful days where you would always attend poukai at Mangatangi October the 12th. Thank you for being our Queen.
- Judy Te Whare
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Queen Elizabeth II
Mr Whatumoana Paki and family, and the people of Tainui: I extend my condolences on the death of Te Ariki Dame Te Ata-i-Rangikaahu. Dame Te Ata gave a lifetime of service and dedication. I remember warmly my own visit to Turangawaewae and my meetings with Dame Te Ata. Her leadership, dignity and compassion will long be remembered.
- Queen Elizabeth II
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Matt, Lania and Maera Paki
E taku Kuini! Taku Rangatira! Haere atu ra! Haere ki nga taua nei tupuna matua kua mene atu ki te po, Haere, haere, haere atu ra! Indeed it is a very sad day for Tainui and the Waikato people, as well as New Zealand. Our "Lady", as she was affectionately known, has passed over, she has "joined the stars above, where she will shine forever more". My grandparents, parents and down to many in my generation, are the humble servants and supporters of Te Arikinui, me te Whanau o te Kahui Ariki (Blue Bloods). We will miss her steady leadership, her stature, her presence and her grace.
- Matt, Lania and Maera Paki, Perth, Western Australia.
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Torisse Liu, Fakaofo, Tokelau
Moe mai ra te Maori Queen a Dame Te Ata. Your words of wisdom gave us great courage to move on in life. Your leadership drew all the Maori tribes together in harmony and I was among them, from Greymouth, Haast and all the West Coast. Arohanui and manuia te malaga.
- Torisse Liu, Fakaofo, Tokelau.
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: Phillip-Charles
For the honour of Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu being the first Lady Monarch in the Kingitanga movement, inspired not only Maori people, but for New Zealand (Aotearoa) in particular. As I am a member of the Tainui Iwi, I acknowledge her diplomacy, humility and trust will be appreciated by her people of Tainui and for the rest of this country. No Reira, Kia Ora Koutou Katoa!
- Phillip-Charles Whatarapaka-Tata Waitaotao Tauira-Mahara.
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
By: T.W. Betham
Dame Te Ata was a born leader, an immense matriarch, a loving mother to her family and people she will be greatly missed. I second the statement "she was an immense presence in our lives - her dignity, her compassion, and her visionary influence will be a huge loss to Maoridom". Blessings to the family at this time. It is with the utmost respect that we will be alongside the country and nation mourning the Queen. Until we meet again.
Date added: Jan 4, 2007
