Woman in History - Dame Whina Cooper

 
 

Whina is the Maori for Josephine.  Whina was born in humble circumstances on the Hokianga.

 

She was a force of nature.  She helped women speak out on the marae. She was the first President of the Maori Women's Welfare League.

 

At 80 years old she marched in protest over Maori land issues.  One of the most iconic images of all time is of her walking in the hikoi holding a little girl's hand.

 

A woman of much mana. She was made a Dame in 1981.

 

Thanks to New Zealand Hall of Fame 50 Remarkable Kiwis.