Maori king brings Maxwell home to rest

The Maori king led a group of Tainui people who escorted the body of Atareta Maxwell to rest at her Ohinemutu home.

Her son Inia led the wero (challenge) as he called his mother home and her casket was carried into the house shortly before dusk yesterday.

King Tuheitia's presence was an indication of the mana in which Mrs Maxwell was held by Maoridom nationwide and followed a day of tributes to her that flowed in from across the world.

Mrs Maxwell, known to family and close friends as Dina, has won acclaim for her long-standing role as the country's leading woman exponent of kapa haka.

She died in Waikato Hospital on Tuesday after a brief illness.

Among the first to send condolences was Prime Minister Helen Clark. Miss Clark said it was tragic to have lost someone so young and acknowledged the contribution both Mrs Maxwell and her husband, Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor, had made to the country, representing it as ambassadors at cultural events around the globe.

An email expressing profound sympathy and sincere condolences has been received from American broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite by Mrs Maxwell's brother, Sir Howard Morrison.

"Our sympathy and great sadness crosses the many miles to you and your family," Mr Cronkite wrote.

Rotorua historian Don Stafford described Mrs Maxwell's death as a dreadful thing, not only for her family but for the whole of Rotorua.

"It is very difficult to pay sufficient tribute to someone who spent virtually most of her life supporting not only her husband, who is such an important man in this district, but the community in general.

Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Pihopa Kingi said Mrs Maxwell had been responsible for inspiring thousands of young people.

Mr and Mrs Maxwell's children, Inia and daughter Kahurangi, were mirror images of their parents' cultural talents.

"She was a very loving, determined and forthright yet humble person who always provided strong leadership in the performing arts. She was Trevor's rock - the wind beneath his wings."

Mrs Maxwell's body is to be taken to Tamatekapua meeting house today where a tangi will be held. Her funeral service will be there at 10am on Saturday morning.