Dame Whina Cooper was born Hōhepine Te Wake in northern Hokianga. Whina was a respected kuia (Māori elder), who worked for many years for the rights of her people, and particularly to improve a lot of Māori women.

 

Her wide influence and nationally recognised activity led her to be acknowledged with awards in both the British (Imperial) and New Zealand Royal Honours Systems, and by her own people, who bestowed the title Te Whaea o te Motu 
(“Mother of the Nation”) upon her.