Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu DNZM QSM JP - better known as “Aunty June” - has died aged 92.
The matriarch of Māoridom died on Saturday morning at Otamaroa, surrounded by her two daughters, grandchildren and whānau.
Labour MP Willie Jackson said aunty June’s passing marked the end of an activism era.
“For Urban Māori she is the last of the Mohicans,” Jackson told the Herald.
“Whāea June now follows the other June, her mate Dame June Jackson and Titewhai Harawira the former " Warrior Queens " of our movement.
“Whāea June was a little different to her two friends though. Mum and Ti while glamorous and charming like whāea June but could turn into UFC hit men if the occasion warranted it!
“While whāea June was unflappable, distinguished and rarely a word was said out of place, unless of course it was necessary!
“She was so classy and it seemed she carried and utilised her incredible netball skills where leadership was crucial right till the end of her life.”
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro also paid her respects to the life of Dame June Mariu.
“I would like to acknowledge the passing of a great rangatira, Dame June Mariu,” Dame Cindy wrote
“Dame June was a strong advocate for te reo Māori and Māori women’s welfare, a brilliant leader and educator, and a gifted sportswoman who represented New Zealand across multiple codes – most notably as captain of the Silver Ferns.
“She was also hugely influential to me in the 70s when I knew her better as Mrs M at Rutherford High School in Te Atatū. Mrs M established the first te reo Māori class in a mainstream school in Aotearoa, and her leadership inspired us to create our own Junior Māori Women’s Welfare League.
“She helped me discover my lifelong passion for education, which I have carried throughout my career. Dame June received a QSM, a CNZM in 2006, and a DNZM in 2012 to recognise the immense and lasting contributions she has made to Aotearoa, and particularly to Māori.
“My thoughts are with Dame June’s whānau and hapū.
“Kua whetūrangitia koe. Moe mai rā.”
Mariu’s death was announced on Facebook by her nephew, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our māmā, kōkā, kuia, whāea, Aunty June and Mrs M, Dame June Hinekahukura Mariu [née Waititi],” Waititi wrote.
Waipareira wrote: “With great sadness, we remember Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu. Our founding chair of Te Whānau o Waipareira. She was a tireless advocate for Māori and the community.
“Dame June dedicated her life to uplifting Māori, particularly in youth, justice, education, and support for women. Her legacy includes her work as a teacher, her leadership here at Te Whānau o Waipareira, her roles in Māori netball, and her contributions to the Māori Women’s Welfare League.
“A former Silver Ferns captain and national representative in sports, Dame June was a true leader both on and off the court. Her impact will be deeply missed.”
Mariu was also patron of Māori Public Health organisation Hapai Te Hauora.
“Dame June Mariu was appointed as patron for Hāpai te Hauora by Kiingi Tuheitia on 29 October 2013, and has been a beacon of leadership and dedication.
“Her tireless efforts for the communities she served, her sporting prowess, leadership in the Māori Women’s Welfare League, encouragement of Smokefree Māmā and whānau, kapa haka, te reo Māori, multiple governance roles, teaching, mentoring, and advocacy for rangatahi in West Auckland, and so much more, will not be forgotten.
“We have been truly privileged to have you as our Patron Whaea June ❤️❤️.”
Mariu will lie in state at her marae Kauaetangohia in Whangaparāoa, East Cape, until her burial on Tuesday.
“She will then be taken to Te Rua o Tamakorito urupā.
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