Dame Whina Cooper: Story In photos
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
A photographic journey of Dame Whina Cooper
Dame Whina Cooper, Whina Cooper, 1875 land march, hikoi, protest, Maori land protest, Maori leaders, women, New Zealanders
"Woman of mana, teacher, storekeeper, community leader"
The description above was written by Michael King in Te Ara: Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Dame Whina Cooper, of Te Rarawa descent, was born in 1895 in northern Hokianga. She was a land activist, noted Māori leader and respected kuia (elder).
Dame Whina Cooper (1895-1994) - Te Whaea o te Motu (Mother of the Nation)
Appointed MBE (1953), CBE (1974), DBE (1981) & a member of the Order of New Zealand in 1991. (Photo taken 25 Sept 1975)
National Library of New Zealand
National inspiration: Whina and mokopuna setting off on hikoi from Te Hapua (in the Far North) to Parliament (1975)
(Photo by Michael Tubberty of Whina aged 79 & 3 year old granddaughter Irenee Cooper setting off on land march protest)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1. Early years: 1895 -
Te Ara: "Dame Whina Cooper was born Hōhepine (Josephine) Te Wake at Te Karaka in northern Hokianga on 9 December 1895. Her father was Heremia Te Wake, a leader of Ngāti Manawa and Te Kaitutae hapu of Te Rarawa and the son of an American whaler. Her mother, Kare Pauro Kawatihi, was of Te Rarawa and Taranaki descent. Whina was the first child of her father’s second marriage. Another daughter, Heretute, was born in 1897, and there were four half-brothers and three half-sisters from Heremia’s first family."
Whina Cooper was born Hōhepine (Josephine) Te Wake 9 December 1895
Whina was born at Te Karaka in northern Hokianga, and died at Panguru on 26 March 1994
Alexander Turnbull Library
Whina's parents were Heremia Te Wake & Kare Pauro Kawatihi
Her father was the son of William Hoard (a whaler) and Te Oki (a high-ranking woman of Te Rarawa)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Whina's father was a devout Catholic
National Library of New Zealand
1902: Whina first attended Whakarapa Native School aged about 7 years
Whina walked 6 miles from Te Karaka to attend school; then her family moved to Whakarapa when she was nine
MTG Hawke's Bay
From 1907, Whina attended St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College in Napier with sponsorship from Sir James Carroll
A devout Catholic, Whina's father let Carroll (Māori minister of Native Affairs) know his wish to send Whina to College
Auckland Libraries
1911: Whina returned to Whakarapa (renamed Panguru in 1923) to live with her parents & work at the co-operative store
Auckland Libraries
1911: Whina's father wanted her to marry Tureiti Te Heuheu Tukino V, leader of Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Tūreiti was widowed - his wife Te Rerehau Kahotea died on 3 Nov 1911. Whina refused to agree to an arranged marriage.
Alexander Turnbull Library
1913-1914: Trainee teacher at Pawarenga Native School (southern Whāngāpē Harbour)
With only 3 teachers present & time pressures to teach & help own community, Whina left teaching
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
c1914: Northern Māori MP Peter Buck helped campaign by Whina & her father to stop farmer draining Whakarapa mudflats
Whina's father challenged farmer's lease through Parliament & court system, as area used to gather seafood & race horses
Auckland Libraries
Buck's successor, Taurekareka (Tau) Henare (1914-38), also intervened until farmer's lease was withdrawn by Marine Dept
Whina (aged 18) led group to fill in drains as these were dug by farmer & were trespassed but lease was revoked
Alexander Turnbull Library
1915-1916: Whina became the housekeeper at Catholic presbytery in Rawene built by Father Charles Kreymborg
Whina thought of becoming a nun; then decided to move back to her parents & the store
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
2. Marriage & Family life: 1916 -
Later in 1916, Whina met a surveyor working for the Native Land Court - Richard Gilbert
Richard Tuhaia Gilbert (born 18 Dec 1891) was Te Waiariki of Ngati Wai from Ngunguru
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
10 May 1917: Whina & Richard Gilbert were married in Rawene by Father Kreymborg
They lived in her parents' home where their daughter (Carla Maude Te Morehu Gilbert) was born in 1918
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
1918: After death of her mother (June 1917) & father (Nov 1918), Whina evicted from parents' home by her step-brothers
As her father hadn't changed his will, Whina and her husband & daughter moved out to family land at Te Karaka
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1919-1920: Whina worked at local kauri gumfields & Gilbert as a timber worker at Tapuwae during week
Whina and Richard built a nikau whare. Their son, Gerard Tuhaia Glibert, was born in 1919.
Alexander Turnbull Library
1923: Whina called a public meeting that resulted in the name Whakarapa being changed to Panguru
The name change was to distinguish it from Whakapara south of Whangarei
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
3. Business success from 1920s onwards
1920: Purchased family house & farm from Whina's brothers & the village store
Kreymborg, who was now parish priest at Whakarapa, had offered a loan from his inheritance, which they repaid in 3 years
Auckland Libraries
They built a new shop & storeroom, added a post office, and opened branches at Waihou & Mitimiti
Whina bought items in bulk; exported kauri gum & Jew’s ear fungus (Auricularia polytricha) & acquired a launch & a truck
Alexander Turnbull Library
Then they purchased a second farm at Tautehere & replaced their dairy herds
They built new milking sheds, & bred pedigree Jersey cows
Auckland Libraries
Whina also had a leading role in church & community activities
A women’s committee worked with Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart to organise hui, tangihanga and fund-raising
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Whina opened her own community centre called the Parish Hall next to the shop & built a clinic alongside the store
Patients were see by Dr G. M. Smith’s Hokianga health service
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Whina's sporting interests: playing hockey, netball, table tennis, fishing, shooting, & coaching rugby & basketball
Whina and companion wearing kahu huruhuru possibly at a sports event in 1930s-40s
Auckland Libraries
4. Māori Land development schemes: 1930s
June 1932: Whina attended Rotorua Land Conference at the invite of Native Minister Sir Āpirana Ngata
Ngata showed how 1929 legislation enabled Māori to borrow money to clear, drain, grass & fence land
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Aug 1932: Sir Āpirana spoke at a public meeting at Whina's Parish Hall
Ngata had asked Whina's opinion at Rotorua & she answered: “Give us the help (money) and we'll beat you.” (Te Ao Hou)
Alexander Turnbull Library
1930s: Whina & Āpirana Ngata set up 11 Māori land development schemes in Hokianga district
Of the 98,000 acres in the Hokianga district, 7,000 acres were in Panguru, Waihou and Motuti
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Whina supervised Panguru & Waihou
In Panguru a working bee of 80 carried out community farmwork, from one farm to the next—clearing, fencing, & drainage
MOTAT
Whina also accompanied Bill Cooper (interpreter & senior land officer appointed by Ngata) throughout Northland
Bill Cooper had also attended the Rotorua Conference. (He was born in 1895 of Ngati Kahungunu & European descent)
Auckland Libraries
Whina began breeding pigs, obtaining a sow and boar from Princess Te Puea
Alexander Turnbull Library
1933: Āpirana Ngata, Whina (front, left) & PM George Forbes, Māori leaders & Hokianga County Council staff visited area
An Auckland Star journalist noted Whina was ‘the driving force’ at Panguru and the ‘amazon excavator' (Papers Past)
Alexander Turnbull Library
5. Second marriAge & Regional activities: 1935 -
March 1935: Whina's husband Richard Gilbert died aged 43 years due to ill-health
Richard's health had declined following cancer
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Afterwards, Whina moved near Whangarei
She left Panguru with William (Bill) Turakiuta Cooper after he obtained a separation from his 3rd wife
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Whina and Bill lived at Kamo, Otiria & Te Karaka
Their daughter, Merekaraka Hine-ki-runga, was born on 27 Jan 1938 (d. 2006)
Alexander Turnbull Library
6 Feb 1940: Whina organised catering for the opening of the meeting house Te Whare Rūnanga at Waitangi
Whina and crossed the threshold first in the tapu removal ceremony. The meeting house faces the Treaty House. (Te Ara)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Bill Cooper's involvement with the building of the Otiria meeting houses acknowledged in Te Ao Hou
Alexander Turnbull Library
21 Feb 1941: Whina married Bill Cooper
The marriage took place on day of his divorce. Their son, Nopera Tau Henare William, was born on 5 June 1941 (d. 2003)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1942: They returned to Panguru & Whina helped with fund-raising for the Māori War Effort Organisation
Whina "established close relationships with the minister in charge, Paraire Paikea, and with Te Puea Herangi". (Te Ara)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Feb 1946: Whina welcomed home members of Māori Battalion at Te Kotahitanga marae at Kaikohe
Alexander Turnbull Library
In late 1940s, they bought the 124-acre farm Tautoro
William's twin brother, Eru, and his family came to live at Panguru on the Tautehere property Whina had bought in 1920s
Auckland Libraries
1946-1952: Whina was secretary & trustee of the Panguru Tribal Executive Committee
Alexander Turnbull Library
April 1947: Whina was elected president of North Hokianga Rugby Union
At the time she was the first known woman to be elected to such a role (Te Ara)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Whina and Bill arranged the renovation of Te Porowini meeting house at Taumarere
Alexander Turnbull Library
The Coopers campaigned for a district high school & Whina donated six acres of flat land at Panguru
As the Govt intended to only build a one-roomed school, the local Catholic primary school was moved there in Aug 1949
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
After her second husband Bill Cooper died of heart attack on 4 Aug 1949, Whina moved to Grey Lynn, Auckland
Photo: Whina standing between carved panels (1940s-1950s)
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
6. National profile: 1952 -
Te Ao Hou (Sept 1955): " Mrs Cooper is a tremendous personality with few, if any, inhibitions and an “afraid of no one” complex. Of the many qualities which have brought her to the top the most conspicuous are those that single her out as a fighter—a fiery, hard hitting one too. She will not hesitate to demand when she judges that to be the most effective tactic, no matter how high or mighty be the person of whom she is demanding. She will relentlessly pursue her case till she gets satisfaction—there is no retreat. But she knows too that there are times when silence and meekness are golden. Her dynamic personality has been a wonderful asset, particularly in recent years when she has been one of the foremost in establishing and guiding the Maori Women's Welfare League."
1951: Whina established Māori Women’s Welfare League – Te Rōpū Wahine Māori Toko i te Ora – & was elected President
Patroness was Princess Te Puea Herangi
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
After being elected President: "According to Dame Whina, she later returned to her home in Grey Lynn and knelt before a statue of the Virgin in her sitting room, chanting: "Please, e Maria, mau au e ako ki te korero. Kua oti au te poti e nga wahine o te motu, mau au e awhina" ("Please, Mary, tell me what to say. The women of the nation have made me leader, please help me ... ") [Quoted in NZ Herald, 28 Sept 2001: "Maori women's long road to freedom"]
1952: League Conference
Alexander Turnbull Library
One of the League's first initiatives was a survey of Māori housing in Auckland in July 1952
Outcome was Auckland City Council & Dept of Māori Affairs improving quota of state and council housing for Māori tenants
Alexander Turnbull Library
1953: League Conference
Alexander Turnbull Library
As President of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, Whina "established especially close relationships with National’s minister of Maori affairs, Ernest Corbett, and the leader of the opposition and Labour spokesman on Maori affairs, Walter Nash". (Source: Te Ara)
1953: Whina Cooper MBE Civil Division for services to the Māori
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
By mid-1950s, Whina involved with establishing over 300 branches, 88 district councils & 4000 members
Whina & members worked on Māori housing, child welfare, employment, education, and health issues
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1950s: Whina was also President of Panguru Branch of Federated Farmers
Overseas inquiries tried to "trace any women holding down similar offices and none could be found." (Te Ao Hou)
Alexander Turnbull Library
1957: Retired as Māori Women's League President
Was elected as delegate to the Pan Pacific & South East Asia Women's Association Conference in Colombo, Ceylon in 1958
Alexander Turnbull Library
1960s: At Māori Community Centre, Newmarket
In 1960s, Whina "worked on a local level around Auckland, but kept largely out of the national spotlight" (Wikipedia)
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1962: Whina & W. Hotere led the committee to celebrate Rev. Henare Arekatera Tate of Panguru ordained as 2d Māori priest
Approx.2000 Māori took part altogether in Tate's first mass & various functions in Auckland, including at Trades Hall
Alexander Turnbull Library
1963: Attending Māori Women's Welfare League hui, Rotorua
Photo taken by Ans Westra
Alexander Turnbull Library
1963: Whina lost election to Matiu Rata for Northern Māori electorate
Whina stood as an independent and came sixth, receiving 257 votes to Rata’s 3,090
Alexander Turnbull Library
1966: Auckland Catholic Māori Centre Te Unga Waka opened after two years of fundraising - concerts, raffles etc
Foyer plaque: "This place is the fruits of the efforts of the people, and of their Mother, Whina Cooper."
Auckland Libraries
1968: Whina organised a Waitangi Day pageant at Carlaw Park on the significance of the Treaty
Alexander Turnbull Library
Women from Te Unga Waka joined others at a Māori Women's Conference held in Wellington in 1974
Alexander Turnbull Library
Prime Minister Robert Muldoon became a great friend of Dame Whina
Whina often stayed with Muldoon's family at their Hatfield Beach bach near Orewa, & they shared a love of gardening
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1974: Whina receiving CBE for services to Māori welfare and culture
Whina was also a Justice of the Peace. See: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/ London/issue/46312/supplement/6830
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
7. Hikoi / Land march: "Not one more acre of Māori land": 1975
1975: Te Rōpū o te Matakite asked Whina to lead them in a protest. Their slogan was "Not one more acre of Māori land"
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1975: Te Rōpū o te Matakite (‘Those with Foresight’) was launched at a hui convened by Whina at Māngere Marae
This coalition of Māori groups had concerns over historic sale of Māori land & the control of land still in Māori hands
NZ On Screen
June 1975: Whina photographed by Robin Morrison
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Booklet issued by Te Rōpū o te Matakite explaining "Why we march"
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Route for the Land March
The marchers stopped overnight at different marae, where Whina led discussions about the purpose of the march
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Itinerary for Land March planned by Te Rōpū o te Matakite
Organiser contact names were Whina Cooper and Witi McMath. Carmen Kirkwood was Whina's secretary.
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Whina's co-organisers included Witi McMath & Tama Poata
Other organisers included Northland kuia Titewhai Harawira and Joseph (Joe) Parata Hawke
Alexander Turnbull Library
Discussions held between the Police and land march organisers on safety issues
Letter (23 Sept) from Minister of Police explained role of Police for safety measures & medical aid for marchers
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
On 14 Sept 1975, Whina & 50 marchers left Te Hāpua in the Far North
Māori land march participants had bedded down for the night at Te Hāpua marae
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
On 23 Sept 1975, Whina & the marchers crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Marchers trained with the military before crossing the bridge - one step in front of the other to avoid sway
Alexander Turnbull Library
The number of marchers grew along the way
The hikoi was supposed to be on foot, but as more elderly people were joining the organisers allowed vehicles
National Library of New Zealand
At instructions of Whina there were no placards or banners, just a white flag on a carved pouwhenua or land marker pole
The pouwhenua was not allowed to touch the ground until land grievances were settled
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Māori Land March along Victoria Street in Hamilton
Alexander Turnbull Library
Whina Cooper addressing Māori Land March at Hamilton
Alexander Turnbull Library
1 Oct 1975: Marchers gathered outside Tauakira meeting-house at Otoko Marae, north-east of Whanganui
The march stopped at 25 marae, gathering signatures for a Memorial of Rights
Alexander Turnbull Library
11 Oct 1975: Whina speaking on Takapuwahia Marae, Porirua
Alexander Turnbull Library
On 13 Oct 1975, the hikoi with up to 5000 people arrived at Parliament after marching 1,100 kms throughout the North Is
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Whina presented a Memorial of Rights & petition to Labour PM Bill Rowling & National Party leader Rob Muldoon
The Memorial of Rights asked the state to preserve the mana and tūrangawaewae of the Māori people
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Petition sheet
Memorial of Rights was signed by 200 Māori elders and the petition by 60,000 people
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
22 Oct 1975: Mrs Titewhai Harawira leading a group of land protestors in song at Parliament
Alexander Turnbull Library
Whina publicly distanced herself from a tent Māori embassy set up on Parliament grounds for 2 months by c.60 protestors
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
12 Feb 1976: Duncan MacIntyre & Whina Cooper exchange a hongi at Parliament
Greetings exchanged before talks on the group's request over the Māori land issues
Alexander Turnbull Library
8. Later years: 1981 -
1981: New Year Honours - Whina was promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
See: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/ London/issue/48469/supplement/39
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
1981: Dame Whina Cooper at Waitangi
See: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/ London/issue/48469/supplement/39
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
1981: Wearing "raukura" (clusters of feathers worn as hair ornaments) at Waitangi at the time of her investiture
Alexander Turnbull Library
1983: At book launch, Auckland Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
9. Home to Panguru: 1983-1994
Dame Whina Cooper returned to Panguru in the Hokianga in 1983 and died there on 26 March 1994. She told an interviewer on her 98th birthday (9 Dec 1993) that her last wish was, "Before I close my eyes, to see our Māori people understand the two races in New Zealand will love . . . that's what you want, that love between two people." (See Independent: Obituary)
4 Feb 1984: Speaking at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Whina Cooper speaking at Waitangi Hui
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
5 February 1984: Speaking at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Whina Cooper at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Whina Cooper speaking at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Whina Cooper at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1984: Whina Cooper, Eva Rickard and Titewhai Harawira at Waitangi
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1987: With family and friends at the Polynesian Festival at Tamaki College
Auckland Libraries
22 Nov 1987: During Pope John Paul's visit to Auckland Domain
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1987: At home in Glen Innes
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1987: At home with guest taking tea
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
5 May 1987: Court of Appeal
Crown must pay heed to previous Māori ownership when disposing of surplus assets
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
19 Feb 1988: Whina speaks at the opening ceremony of Auckland University Marae
Auckland University Marae, Tane-nui-a-Rangi, Waipapa
The University of Auckland Library
Whina (bottom right) during opening ceremony
The University of Auckland Library
During opening ceremony
The University of Auckland Library
Whina Cooper, Anne Salmond & Waerete Norman at the opening ceremony
The University of Auckland Library
1988: Whina Discussing future of Dpt of Māori Affairs
Alexander Turnbull Library
Jan 1990: Whina opened 14th Commonwealth Games in Auckland
Whina meets young people of the Commonwealth at the Te Puea Memorial Marae, Mangere
Auckland Libraries
Whina's message: "‘Let us all remember that the Treaty was signed so that we could all live as one nation in Aotearoa"
NZ On Screen
1990: Whina received the New Zealand Commemoration Medal
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
6 Feb 1991: Whina became twentieth appointee to the Order of New Zealand
NZ's highest civil honour, See https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/ issue/52564/supplement/29
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Sept 1993: Whina was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal
Awarded to: "Dame Whina COOPER, ONZ, DBE, JP, of Hokianga"
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
20 Sept 1993: At Māori Women's Welfare League book launch for Te Tiratanga Tatau Tatau, Alexandra Park
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1994: Whina organised a memorial stone for suffragist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia at her north Hokianga birthplace
In May 1893, Meri addressed Māori Parliament - Māori women be given the vote & be eligible to sit in Māori Parliament
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
26 March 1994: Dame Whina Cooper died at Panguru aged 98
Her tangihanga (funeral) was attended by 'many thousands' estimated at 30,000 & viewed by over a million on TV
Whangarei Libraries
10. Commemorative events: 2020
A bronze statue commemorating Dame Whina Cooper was unveiled at Pangaru's Waipuna Marae on 3 February 2020. The statue recreates the iconic photo of Dame Whina walking hand in hand with her mokopuna, Irenee Cooper, at the start of the Land March in 1975. Radio New Zealand (ENZ) reported, "Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke on the pae, a decision carefully thought through by the kaumātua at Waipuna marae. Te Rarawa leader Haami Piripi said it was only fitting for a wāhine to stand. "It was something that we thought long and hard about and decided that it was appropriate ... following in Whina's footsteps, it would certainly be appropriate. We have to reexamine our own tikanga. We have to progress with the times."
3 Feb 2020: Statue Of Dame Whina unveiled at Waipuna Marae, Panguru
Youtube video of unveiling o statue sculptured by Jimi Hills of Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe and Te Whānau a Upokorehe
Radio New Zealand
4 Dec 2020: Tunnel boring machine for the Auckland's City Rail Link (CRL) named after Dame Whina Cooper was unveiled
TV3
11. Further resources include:
Documentaries / Film:
Also see: Māori Tube: Whina Cooper – Te Whaea o te Motu (1992) – Documentary
1975: Te Roopu o te Matakite march on Parliament
Te Rōpū Matakite o Aotearoa march to Parliament, 1975
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1983: Koga - Whina Cooper (NZ On Screen interview, Part 1)
Koha - Whina Cooper (Part One)
NZ On Screen
1983: Hoha - Whina Cooper (NZ On Screen interview, Part 2)
Koha - Whina Cooper (part two)
NZ On Screen
1983: Gary McCormick travels in Hokianga includes an interview with Dame Whina Cooper
Heartland - Hokianga
NZ On Screen
Film: Whina (2022)
The story of Dame Whina Cooper portrayed by actors Miriama McDowell, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne & Rena Owen
NZ On Screen
Radio / audio interviews:
1978: Whina discusses with Alwyn Owen how she started her work with the Māori Women's Welfare League (Part 1)
Spectrum: Whina Cooper 1978 - Part 1 of 2
Radio New Zealand
1978: Whina discusses with Alwyn Owen how she started her work with the Māori Women's Welfare League (Part 2)
Spectrum: Whina Cooper 1978 - Part 2 of 2
Radio New Zealand
19 Apr 1982: Dame Whina Cooper Interviewed by Michael King
Interview with Whina Cooper, tape one
Alexander Turnbull Library
6 March 1986: Sir James Henare interviewed by Michael King about Dame Whina Cooper
Interview with Sir James Henare, tape one
Alexander Turnbull Library
2015: Panellists Cyril Chapman, Vivian Hutchinson & David Williams reflect on their involvement in the land march
1975 Land March - Commemorating 40 years
Radio New Zealand
2017: Interview with author Hannah Jewell whose book includes Dame Whina Cooper
Hannah Jewell: 100 nasty women of history
Radio New Zealand
2018: Interview with Haami Piripi who participated in the hikoi as a teen
'Not one more acre': The mana of Dame Whina Cooper
Radio New Zealand
Books, Poetry, Play:
Te Ara - Dictionary of New Zealand biography provides information (compiled in 2000)
Whina Cooper
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
2003: Published in 'Harpies & Heroines' book by the New Zealand Cartoon Archive
Webb, Murray, 1947- :[Caricature portrait of Dame Whina Cooper. 1980-90s].
Alexander Turnbull Library
2011: Includes a chapter on Dame Whina Cooper and her relationship with the Press
Maori and Aboriginal Women in the Public Eye : Representing Difference, 1950 - 2000
Europeana
Poetry
1978: Poem "Rain-maker’s song for Whina" by Hone Tuwhare, published in "Making a fist of it." (Dunedin: Jackstraw Press)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Other resources:
Tuia Mātauranga Curiosity Card: 1975 Land hikoi includes digital resources
1975 Land hikoi: Tuia Mātauranga Curiosity Card
DigitalNZ
2015: Search engine Google marked 120th birthday of Whina Cooper with image by doodler Olivia Huynh seen by NZ searchers
Google celebrates Dame Whina Cooper
Radio New Zealand
2016: RadioNZ article "Not one more acre" - Northland kuia Titewhai Harawira interviewed about Whina and the land march
'Not one more acre'
Radio New Zealand
DAME WHINA COOPER
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