Dame whina cooper biography of mahatma

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. Joseph's School for Maori Girls; married Richard Gilbert, in ; married William Cooper, in ; children: first marriage four; second marriage two.

Born Hōhepine (Josephine) Te Wake into a Catholic family, Whina's precocious talents were enhanced by attending St Joseph's Māori Girls' College.

Became a prominent businesswoman, owning several farms and stores; became active in land reform plan instituted by Sir Apirana Ngata ; elected first woman president of a New Zealand rugby association ; founded the Maori Women's Welfare League ; led a mile march to preserve Maori land ; honored as a Commander of the British Empire CBE for her services to the Maori people ; raised to the rank of Dame of the British Empire DBE, During the s, New Zealanders often saw a boat, truck, or bus filled with children on their way to a rugby game.

They were coached by a feisty Maori woman who frequently challenged the referees' decisions with: "I'm not satisfied with your interpretation of the rules. That's not how we see them. In , she became president of the Hokianga Rugby Union, the first woman to hold a position previously occupied exclusively by men. Though rugby is a tough, physical game, she was not averse to instructing children in its play.

Gandhi inspired great leaders such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Barrack Obama, as well as Dame Whina Cooper of New Zealand, who led.

Her life, after all, reflected her attitude on the field. In addition to rugby, Cooper enjoyed hockey, netball, table tennis , fishing, and was a keen shot. Known first among the Maoris as the Mother of the People, she was also a farmer, a postal clerk, and owner of several businesses. During her long life, she would not only lead the Maoris, she would become a leader among all New Zealanders.

Whina was a child of his second family. A widower with grown children, Heremia was 57 when he married a young girl of 15 named Kare Pauro.