Distinguished Ngai Tahu Stateswoman a source of enduring inspiration says Katene

Dame Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan was an illustrious stateswoman who left a formidable legacy for Maori women” said Te Tai Tonga MP, Rahui Katene.

“As the first Maori woman to succeed to her seat, I was always conscious of the huge footsteps I was following” said Mrs Katene.

“Dr Tirikatene-Sullivan led the way for us, in so many respects”.

“Whetu seemed to excel in every arena she entered. She won the Ballroom and Latin American dancing champion; she was one of the top four female fencers in the country; while at the same time achieving a Doctorate for her thesis, Contemporary Maori political involvement’.

“Her life was dedicated to her people.

“From attending the second Young Maori Leadership Conference in 1959 right through to serving ten successive terms as MP for Southern Maori, she was the consummate servant of the people”.

“I have worked hard to live up to her enduring legacy – she strived to spend as much time as she could travelling her electorate and hearing the concerns of her people first-hand”.

“My aroha goes out to all our whanau of Kati Waewae and Kai Tahu; who tonight, as the news reaches them, will be mourning the loss of our own glittering star, Dame Whetu”.

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