Mother of the Nation

Meet Dame Whina Cooper, the kuia who championed Maori rights and women's rights and led a famous hikoi for positive change.

The true story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most exceptional leaders and a courageous wahine toa, who united thousands of Maori and Pakeha to address injustices, and whose mana and determination continue to inspire us today.

" David Hill's stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the reader about some aspect of our amazing country and our people." Gisborne Herald

ONE NIGHT, WHINA DREAMT SHE WAS ON A BOAT, PULLING A CHILD FROM THE SEA. SHE DECIDED THE BOAT WAS HER JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE, AND THE CHILD WAS ALL FUTURE TAMARIKI . . .

When Whina was very young, her father knew she was a born leader. At 18, she organised her first protest to save iwi land. At 56, she helped found the Maori Women's Welfare League. And at 79, she walked an incredible 1000 kilometres to Parliament to deliver a message- Not One More Acre of Maori Land.

Whina was an exceptional speaker, farmer and sportswoman. She could organise events at the drop of a hat. And she would get on the phone to tell the Prime Minister exactly what she thought.

Written and illustrated specially for children, this is the true story of an extraordinary woman whose energy and mana drove many successful campaigns for Maori rights. Her leadership in her community radiated out to all corners of Aotearoa, and her legacy lives on 50 years after her famous hikoi.

Maori language edition available - TE WHAEA O TE MOTU, translated by Stacey Morrison.