February 03, 2020
Statue brings back memories of Whaea Whina Cooper
Former Te Taitokerau MP Hone Harawira says he feels privileged to have known the late Dame Whina Cooper – even if she got him arrested.
At her home marae Waipuna in Panguru yesterday, a statue was unveiled by Ngāti Porou artist Jimi Hills depicting the then 80-year old leading the 1975 Maori Land March from Te Hapua.
Mr Harawira says she always spoke her mind strongly and was particularly scathing about the protest movement that came after the march, especially those who came to Waitangi in 1981 to try to disrupt her getting her title.
"I have been blessed to have known some of the strongest women since the Second World War. Whina was right at the absolute top of that because of course her knowledge of the old Māori world, her ability to communicate in the reo, her ability to engage with people of all cultures meant she was somebody everyone took notice of and we certainly did, even when she was telling us off".
Hone Harawira
Today the political action in the north moves back to Waitangi, with the Government set to be welcomed at the Whare Rūnanga on the Treaty Grounds about 10 am.
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