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National | Kōhanga Reo

Hundreds farewell Māori language stalwart Henrietta Maxwell

Hundreds turned out to Wainuiōmata Marae today to farewell Henrietta Maxwell, a woman who loved te reo Māori and was a huge supporter of the Kōhanga Reo movement.

An expert lost to the other side, a leader of Ngāti Porou.

Henrietta Maxwell was a stalwart in the Māori language community in Wellington.  She was an advocate for the Kōhanga Reo movement, and was famous for her compositions.

Brian Morris says, “She was that sweet voice that was heard, a huge supporter of the Kōhanga Reo movement.”

Taina Ngarimu says, “If you listen to the songs of Tuini Ngawai, of Ngoi Pēwhairangi, they are easy to learn, easy to the ear, and that's the same with her songs.”

One of her ex-students of Pukeatua Kōhanga Reo says there was another side of the wise lady that was rarely seen.

Tautoko Ratu says, “She was so funny, you'd be the lucky one if she was there to amuse you.”

It's obvious to see what she was most passionate about.  Farewell to this leader of Porourangi.