First anniversary of passing

A week of celebrations marking the first anniversary of the changing of the guard in the Maori monarchy continue today after yesterday's ceremonies to remember the passing of the Maori Queen.
Events move to Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, the headquarters of the Kingitanga (King Movement), following ceremonies yesterday at Waahi Paa marae in Huntly, about 15km to the north.
Six days of events are scheduled for Ngaruawahia, culminating in the first public speech by the new Maori monarch, King Tuheitia, on the anniversary of his accession to the throne.
The king's Tainui iwi yesterday hosted an estimated 1000 visitors to Waahi Paa marae to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of the King's mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who had been Maori Queen for 40 years.
Among the visitors were several Maori leaders, royal family representatives from the South Pacific, and Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Miss Clark was also given the honour of unveiling a plaque to the Maori Queen at a memorial garden planted in her honour at Waahi Paa, the queen's personal marae retreat.
Speaking at the ceremony at which the memorial garden plaque was unveiled, Miss Clark said Dame Te Ata's reign had been momentous and her tangi at Turangawaewae Marae last year at which 100,000 people attended had been a great occasion of togetherness.
"Her life and contribution was remarkable in so many ways," Miss Clark said.
"Throughout her life Te Arikinui sought to bring us together. She stood for unity and diversity and for mutual respect between us, and so it was highly appropriate and significant and a tribute to her whole life that her passing also brought us together and continues to bring us together."

For the full story see http://www.stuff.co.nz/4166890a8153.html#Scene_1

Wikipedia also has a short biography of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Atairangi_Kaahu

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