Tomairangi Paki
Kiritokia e-te Tomairangi Paki (1953 – 3 April 2017) was a prominent Māori kuia, and the daughter of Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. She was the elder sister of King Tūheitia.
Tomairangi Paki | |||||
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Born | 1953 Huntly, New Zealand | ||||
Died | (aged 63) | ||||
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Father | Whatumoana Paki | ||||
Mother | Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu |
Paki was a prominent exponent of kapa haka, and tutored the Taniwharau kapa haka to national victory in 1981.[1] She received a life membership award from Tainui Cultural Trust for her work within kapa haka in 2016.[2]
Paki won a scholarship to learn world dances and choose to study Hawaiian Hula. She spent several years in Hawaii and became a Kumu Hula and returned to New Zealand establishing her own Kumu Hula called Nā Keiki O Ka Aina.
She was a patron for He Kura Te Tangata, a festival which celebrates kaumatua and kapa haka.[3]
Paki died peacefully in her sleep on 3 April 2017. Her tangi was held at Waahi Pa in Huntly where her body lay in state before being taken for burial at the royal cemetery at Mount Taupiri.[4]
References
- "Kīngitanga in mourning over the loss of Tomairangi Paki", Television New Zealand, 3 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- Black, T. "Tomairangi Paki receives Life Member award", Māori Television, 1 May 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
- "Colourful final tribute by Taniwharau for beloved leader". Māori Television. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- Clarke, M. "Memories of Taniwharau resonates at Tomairangi Paki’s tangi", Māori Television, 1 May 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.