The Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Atairangikaahu, was very close to the Whanganui iwi, who are saddend by her passing.
Whanganui River Maori Trust Board chairman Archie Taiaroa said Dame Te Ata, as she was affectionately known, endeared herself to Maoridom by her accessibility to the people and her simpleness of
character.
In 1997 Dame Atairangikaahu travelled the length of the Whanganui River from Taumarunui to Wanganui.
She won the hearts of the people with the unassuming nature that marked her 40-year reign over the Kingitanga movement. The Kingitanga was offered to the Te Anaua and Turoa families but they declined to accept the role.
Turoa referred to his cousin Te Heu Heu of Ngati Tuwharetoa, who called a hui of all rangatira at Pukawa in 1856 to progress Kotahitanga in the form of Kingitanga.
The idea was to stop inter-tribal fighting and the acquisition of Maori land by settler governments and subsequent administrations.
Mr Taiaroa said Whanganui was closely associated with the Kingitanga, particularly the northern reaches of Tainui. At midnight last night Whanganui iwi travelled to Turangawaewae for the tangihanga.
They were to meet Tuwharetoa on the way and were expected to arrive at 6.45am today.
Some iwi will travel later in the week, Mr Taiaroa said, due to commitments of a memorial service for Matiu Mareikura at Maungarongo Marae, Ohakune, on Saturday.
