Dame Whina Cooper was born Hōhepine Te Wake in northern Hokianga.
Whina was a respected kuia (Māori elder), who worked for many years for the

rights of her people, and particularly to improve a lot of Māori women.

 

Her wide influence and nationally recognised activity led her to be acknowledged

with awards in both the British (Imperial) 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. 

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