Titewhai Harawira
Titewhai Harawira | |
|---|---|
Harawira in 2017 | |
| Born | Titewhai Te Hoia Hinewhare 1932 Whakapara, New Zealand |
| Died | (aged 90) Avondale, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Political activist |
| Spouse |
John Puriri Harawira
(m. 1952; died 1977) |
| Children | 12, including Hone |
Titewhai Te Hoia Hinewhare Harawira (1932 – 25 January 2023) was a New Zealand Māori activist. Born in Whakapara and descended from Ngāpuhi chiefs, Harawira was an outspoken political commentator and a civil rights campaigner beginning with her involvement with activist group Ngā Tamatoa in the 1970s. She became a nationally recognised figure due in part to her role escorting New Zealand prime ministers onto the marae (meeting place) during annual Waitangi Day celebrations.
After her death in January 2023, she was described by Māori development minister Willie Jackson as an important leader in New Zealand during the Māori renaissance. Her activities and style of activism were at times controversial, including when in 1998 she objected to Helen Clark, then the leader of New Zealand's opposition, speaking on the marae, as Māori women were not allowed to do so.