Te Puea Herangi, a grand-daughter of the Maori King Tawhiao, devoted her life to her people and to restoring the influence of Kingitanga.
An important part of her strategy was to return the movement's base to Ngaruawahia where it had been before the wars of the 1860s.
In 1921 she began the great task of building a new marae there. It was called Turangawaewae and, as the focal point of the King movement, is a geographical and political landmark in 21st century New Zealand.
When the Herald looked back on her life it said she had shunned distinction and everything she had attempted or achieved was in the name of others. But credit for Turangawaewae goes to her and she is our New Zealander of the Year for 1921.
Further reading:
Biography of Te Puea Herangi, Te Ara Encylopedia of New Zealand
