May 06, 2015
Kuia celebrated joy of ordinary reo
Ngati Porou kuia Henrietta Maxwell is being celebrated as someone who was the heartbeat of te reo Maori.
Mrs Maxwell, from Ngati Porou, has died after a battle with cancer.
She was in her 70s.
She was one of the group that set up the first kohanga reo in Wainuiomata, and she also championed Te Ataarangi for older Maori language learners.
Former Maori language commissioner Waihoroi Shortland says she’s the sort of person whose real value is seen once they are gone.
"She knew the heartbeat of the reo. She reflected that through her involvment in music and song and she contributed in a very ordinary way that reflects so much of the kind of Maori in the trenches for the reo's sake. That everyday commitment dedication and enjoyment of their reo," Mr Shortland says.
Henrietta Maxwell will be laid to rest today at Taita urupa alongside other whanau members.
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