Testimony to nobility shown by Te Atairangikaahu

TE RUNANGA WAIRUA TAPU O NGA BAHÁ’Í O AOTEAROA / NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF NEW ZEALAND

PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release

DATED: 17 August 2006

Bahá’í community testifies to nobility shown by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

The New Zealand Bahá’í community adds its voice to the many others who are praising the lifelong services of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Maori Queen, on the occasion of her passing.

On behalf of the New Zealand Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly, the Chief Executive, Suzanne Mahon, said that it has been an honour for members of the Baha'i community to have had an association with Te Arikinui over the course of many years.

Mrs Mahon said that the Bahá’í community can testify, from direct experience, to the nobility and grace of the late Maori Queen’s character.

“Clearly, her very real mana arose from a truly radiant spirit, and her life's work was a demonstration of what is best and finest in the people of this country. She has left a legacy that surely will not be lost,” said Mrs Mahon.

The National Spiritual Assembly has sent condolences to the family of Te Arikinui, and her people. With reference to the immortality of the human soul, the condolences quote from the Bahá’í Sacred Writings:

"“E TE TAMA A TE AROHA! Kotahi upane kau to tawhiti mai i te runga rawa, mai i te rakau o te aroha kei te rangi. Kia kotahi upane ano kia urua ai e koe te kingitanga matengakore, kia tomokia ai te whare o ake tonu atu. Whakarongo atu ki tera kua whakaaturia e te pene o te kororia."

“O SON OF LOVE! Thou art but one step away from the glorious heights above and from the celestial tree of love. Take thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm and enter the pavilion of eternity. Give ear then to that which hath been revealed by the pen of glory.”

(From the “Hidden Words” of Bahá’u’lláh)

ENDS

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