He Kuini o te motu

Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu was born 23 July 1931 as the only birth child of King Koroki and his wife Te Atairangikaahu at their home at Waahi Pa in Huntly. She was named Piki Mene, or Piki for short.



For the first few years of her life, she was raised in a traditional Maori enviroment centred around the Waahi Pa. When she was old enough, she was sent to Waikato Diocesan School for girls. During this time at the tender age of 15, Piki was removed from school and taken by her Aunt Te Puea on her first overseas trip to the Cook Islands and Tonga. During this visit Te Puea constantly pushed Piki into the spotlight and the position of honour at all functions. This confirmed her grooming for the position that she would inheret. It was also on this trip that Piki attended the double royal wedding in Tonga of the Crown Prince and his brother. This would prove to be the start of a close and warm relationship with the Tongan Royal family.



Although Te Puea was a guiding influence in her life, it was Piki who chose who was to be her husband. She chose Whatumoana Paki as her husband whom she eloped with in defiance of her powerful aunt Te Puea. From this union they have been blessed with seven children and many grandchildren.



At 5:45am on Wednesday 18 May 1966 King Koroki passed away at his official residence Turongo House at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia. Within hours the people of Waikato had gathered to begin mourning for their King and to debate who should take over the movement. As tradition dictated the people of Tainui withdrew from the discussions and it was the rangatira of the motu who debated the succession.



It was finally decided that Pik should succeed her father and take the title of Kuini Te Atairangikaahu in memory of her mother. Kuini Te Atairangikaahu was installed as the 6th leader of the Kingitanga movement alongside her fathers closed coffin on the Mahai of Mahinarangi at Turangawaewae Marae. She was blessed with the same bible that was used for the first Maori King, Potatau Te Wherewhero.



The Lady, as Te Atairangikaahu was affectionately known led the movement for over 40 years with grace and firm leadership. It was during this time that the Kingitanga increased it's visibility nationally and internationally. Te Atairangikaahu has hosted many dignataries from overseas including Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.



On August 15 2006, Te Atairangikaahu passed away surounded by family at Turongo House at Turangawaewae. She was suceeded by her son Tuheitia who like his mother was installed as the 7th leader of the Kingitanga next to her closed coffin at Turangawaewae Marae.



Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu was a greatly loved leader, mother, wife, grandmother and friend. She is sorely missed both nationally and internationally by her many friends.