Mourning the Maori Queen

Dame Te Ata was able to attend only a few events at Turangawaewae Marae in May marking the 40th anniversary of her coronation. Picture / Richard Robinson

Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu died with her family beside her and was in good spirits right up to her death, family spokeswoman Nanaia Mahuta said today.

Maoridom's longest-serving monarch died at her official residence at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia after a long illness late yesterday.

The marae was being prepared this morning and would be opened about noon to people coming to pay their respects to Dame Te Ata, who was 75. Her funeral will be held on Monday.

Ms Mahuta, a Labour MP, said Dame Te Ata passed away peacefully. "She was surrounded by her family and was optimistic right until the end," she said.

Dame Te Atairangikaahu was the revered leader of the Waikato-Tainui iwi, head of the Kingitanga (King Movement) and holder of the country's paramount royal honour, the Order of New Zealand, died late yesterday afternoon.

Large numbers of people were today travelling to Turangawaewae to farewell the mother of seven and devoted leader whose charisma and humility, combined with impeccable whakapapa (lineage), ensured a fierce love and loyalty from her people.

About 300 family members gathered this morning for a church service on the marae and it was announced her funeral will be held on Monday.

Dame Te Ata was lying in state at her residence, Turongo, last night. Today it is expected she will be carried on to the marae for a five day-long tangi before she is buried alongside her ancestors on Waikato's Taupiri Mountain.

Tainui chairman Tuku Morgan said news of the loss had caused "deep despair" among the Tainui people.

"This is a huge loss, the loss of a Queen who was much loved and hugely respected.

"She propelled the Maori cause and provided an international face that benefited all Maori. We will miss her calm and measured leadership, and beautiful smile."

During the period of mourning, intense debate is expected over the future of the Kingitanga and, if it is to continue, who should lead it.

It is understood Dame Te Ata's eldest son, Tuheitia Paki, is favoured to be her successor.

Dame Te Ata celebrated her 75th birthday last month.

In May, tens of thousands gathered at Turangawaewae to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her coronation.

Looking frail and at times tired from the effects of regular dialysis treatment, Dame Te Ata attended some of the week's events.

In a moving speech on the final day of commemorations, she spoke of struggling to find words to thank her people.

Alternating between English and Maori, she said that for the previous 40 years she had spoken at length on the anniversary of her coronation, but now was unable to.

"In the past it was no problem to stand and speak for 30 to 40 minutes. Now I can't these days. I get tired and struggle."

Gratitude

She spoke of her gratitude for the "days that have been given to me to be able to walk amongst you" and for the support she had received as the revered leader of the Kingitanga.

"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."

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia said Dame Te Ata was an exemplary leader respected by Maori and Pakeha.

He said her tangi would be one of the largest this generation had seen.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said Dame Te Ata was a unifying figure who used her mana to bring Maoridom and Pakeha together. "It is a time of deep sadness. A mighty kauri has fallen."

National Party leader Don Brash said Dame Te Ata's immense popularity was underlined at the May celebrations.

"My colleagues and I will be among many thousands of New Zealanders who will visit Turangawaewae Marae in the coming days to pay our respects to a great New Zealander."

National deputy leader and Maori Affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee said Dame Te Ata conducted herself with the utmost dignity and earned great respect.

Maori Party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia said Dame Te Ata was the "heart of the Maori people".

She led with humility and was always distinguished by her grace, said Mrs Turia.

"Everyone looked up to her. She was an immense presence in our lives."

Dame Te Ata had also made a huge contribution as patron of the Maori Women's Welfare League, the National Kohanga Reo Trust and Nga Puna Waihanga, the Maori arts organisation.

Dr Sharples said Dame Te Ata shone at any event she attended.

"She was a unifying person - she brought people together through her genuine warmth, her astute leadership and her ever-generous manaaki [helpfulness]."

Dame Te Ata is survived by her husband, Whatumoana Paki, and seven children.