Tribute to woman born to lead

Karly Maxwell writes in her worksheet about the Maori Queen at Turangawaewae Marae yesterday. Picture / Amos Chapple

Big crowds and sunshine dominated day three of week-long celebrations marking the anniversary of the crowning of the Maori Queen yesterday.

The leaders and large contingents from many of the country's iwi were among around 10,000 people to descend on Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae Marae yesterday to pay respects to Te Arikinui Dame Atairangikaahu.

The day was marked by kawe mate (remembrance ceremonies) for those who have died in the last year.

Dame Te Ata again did not take part in proceedings, after attending a number of events on Thursday including ceremonies to mark the death of her father, King Koroki.

It is understood regular dialysis treatment prevented the 74-year-old monarch from attending all events.

Marae media liaison Mokotini Templeton said Dame Te Ata was conserving her energy for other key events including a huge kapa haka performances tonight.More than 1200 kapa haka performers from the country's seven main waka are expected to perform.

Ms Templeton said organisers were honoured by the large contingents who attended from more than 30 iwi, including Te Arawa, Ngati Porou, Tuwharetoa and Tuhoe. .

Politicians including Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and National MP Georgina te Heuheu also attended.

Mr Horomia applauded the 40-year milestone achieved by the Queen, an important occasion for Tainui and all of Maoridom.

"It is a wonderful achievement for Aotearoa, by a gracious and compassionate woman, born to lead."