SACRED LEGACY ARCHIVES™

Whina Cooper

1895-12-09 – 1994-03-26

Life & Legacy

Dame Whina Cooper (born Hōhepine Te Wake; 9 December 1895 – 26 March 1994) was a New Zealand kuia (Māori elder), who worked for many years for the rights of Māori, and particularly to improve the lot of Māori women. She is remembered for leading the 1975 Māori land march from Te Hāpua to Wellington, a distance of 1,100 km (680 mi), at the age of 79.
Her wide influence and nationally recognised activity led her to be acknowledged with awards in both the British and New Zealand Royal Honours Systems, and by her own people, who bestowed the title Te Whaea o te Motu ('Mother of the Nation') upon her. She is the subject of the 2022 film Whina.

Occupation & Career

teacher, historian, activist, community leader

Education

St Joseph's Maori Girls' College

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Member of the Order of the British Empire; Commander of the Order of the British Empire; Order of New Zealand; Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire; New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

Commander of the Order of the British Empire · Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire · Member of the Order of the British Empire · New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 · Order of New Zealand

Education & Institutions

St Joseph's Maori Girls' College

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q466142 — wikidata View source

Are you related to Whina Cooper?

Family members can contribute records, photographs and stories or request stewardship of this legacy.

Claim this legacy or contribute family history

View Family Tree