A special welcome to all visitors to this page. Here we extend an open invitation to all who wish to make comment to add to this growing memorial.
All your thoughts, no matter how eloquent or how simple, will be forever treasured.
Thank you to all who have commented so far. Your thoughts, your recollections, your feelings all reflect the tremendous mana of this wonderful person. Keep them coming!
The response we are receiving to this memorial is humbling to say the least and we look forward to expanding and developing its content in days to come. The Remembering team.
A new journey begins
Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, began a new journey earlier this evening as her people gathered to honour, mourn and celebrate the life of one of Maoridom's most influential figures.
Only two weeks after her 75th birthday and the celebration of the 40th anniversary of her coronation in May, Dame Te Ata surrendered her spirit with the blessing of her whanau and the aroha of a nation.
Dame Te Ata was admitted to Waikato Hospital after a heart attack a month ago and was later discharged to her home at Turangawaewae Marae where she died at 5.32pm.
"She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and kaumatua," a statement released by the family said.
Recognised by many as a model of humility, Dame Te Ata was deeply grateful for the time she had been given and the honours bestowed on her.
Through failing health and in a final address which she struggled to deliver at the 40th anniversary of her coronation she said:
"I can't find words to express my gratitude. If I could find all the most beautiful words, I would put them together and lay them among you, to help me with my thoughts of affection."
• Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, was born on July 23, 1931 and died on August 15, 2006.
• Please see Legacy Page for official tributes.
