Whina cooper biography
Whina cooper biography children.
Whina cooper biography
Cooper, Whina (1895–1994)
Maori leader and Mother of the People, beloved by both Maoris and whites, who was prominent in native land rights in New Zealand, active in other reform movements, and became Dame Whina Cooper toward the end of her life. Name variations: Mrs.
Richard Gilbert; Mrs. William Cooper. Pronunciation: SEE-nah KOO-per. Born Josephine Te Wake on the shores of Hokianga Harbor, New Zealand, on December 9, 1895; died in Panguru on March 26, 1994; daughter of Heremia Te Wake, chief of the Hokianga tribes, and Kare Pauro; attended St.
Joseph's School for Maori Girls; married Richard Gilbert, in 1916; married William Cooper, in 1940; children: (first marriage) four; (second marriage) two.
Became a prominent businesswoman, owning several farms and stores; became active in land reform plan instituted by Sir Apirana Ngata (1929); elected first woman president of a New Zealand rugby association (1947); founded the Maori Women's Welfare League (1951); led a 700-mile ma