Whina Cooper

Overview

Whina Cooper (née Te Karaka) born Hokianga, North Island, New Zealand December 9, 1895 (d. 1994). "Mother of the Nation" Maori leader of hikoi, nonviolent march against loss of lands, 1975; first president Maori Women’s Welfare League, 1951.

Quotations

"Before I close my eyes, to see our Maori people understand the two races in New Zealand will love. . . that's what you want, that love between two people." (obituary, Independent, March 24, 1994; photo 1975 wikicommons pd)