Tuesday, 15 August 2006, 7:40 pm Article: The Scoop Team
Breaking News: Maori Queen Dame Te
Atairangikaahu Dies At Turangawaewae
Scoop Report - The Maori Queen Te
Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu died Tuesday (August 15
2006) at Turangawaewae in the Waikato, aged 75 years, after
a long illness. Elders from the Tainui Iwi (tribe) announced
the news this evening.
In July, the Maori Queen recovered
from a severe heart attack after having been admitted to
Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit. She had struggled
with ill-health, particularly over the last 12 months, and
had been receiving daily dialysis treatment for her failing
kidneys.
Dame Te Atairangikaahu arose from Maoridom's
Kingitanga movement of the Mahuta royalty. Her father was
the late Maori King, Koroki. She was crowned Queen in 1966
at the age of 34. Her 40th anniversary of her coronation was
celebrated in May - marking her as the longest serving Maori
monarch.
Dame Te
Atairangikaahu celebrated her 75th birthday a fortnight ago
and the 40th anniversary of her coronation was celebrated in
May.
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