Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu born on the 23rd July 1931 on Waahi Marae in Huntly In the North Island of New Zealand and sadly passed away on the 15th August 2006 aged 75.

She was the Maori queen and reigned from 23rd May 1966-15th August 2006. She was the daughter of Koroke Te Rata Mahuta Te whiao Te Wherowhero and Te Atairangikaahu Herangi. She lived at Turongo house, a carved house for the Maori kings and queens next to New Zealand's main Marae Turangawaewae located in Ngaruwahia near Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand.

Although The Maori Monarchy has no legal power in New Zealand, Te Arkiknui was respected by Maori, Pakeha, people from the Pacific and most importantly me. In the 1970 she became the first Maori to become a Dame, specifically she became a Dame commander of the British Empire and was one of the first receivers of the Order of New Zealand which is one of the most highest honor in New Zealand. Also she received a Honorary doctorate at Waikato University and got a degree in Law. She is my role model because she stood up for her culture and made people look up to her due to the things she received and did. One of her many children was chosen to become the new Maori king and was discussed with all of the Maori tribe leaders and they all thought he was the best choice. The Maori King now incumbent of course is her son Kingi Tuheitia Paki and is of course living up to his mother's example.