Kiritokia e-te Tomairangi Paki (1953 – 3 April 2017) was a prominent Māori kuia, and the daughter of Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. She was the elder sister of King Tūheitia.

Tomairangi Paki
Born1953
Huntly, New Zealand
Died (aged 63)
Names
Kiritokia e-te Tomairangi Adrianne Gail Paki
FatherWhatumoana Paki
MotherTe Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu

Paki was a prominent exponent of kapa haka, and tutored the Taniwharau kapa haka to national victory in 1981.[1] She received a life membership award from Tainui Cultural Trust for her work within kapa haka in 2016.[2]

Paki won a scholarship to learn world dances and choose to study Hawaiian Hula. She spent several years in Hawaii and became a Kumu Hula and returned to New Zealand establishing her own hālau (hula school) called Nā Keiki O Ka ʻĀina.[citation needed]

She was a patron for He Kura Te Tangata, a festival which celebrates kaumatua and kapa haka.[3]

Paki died peacefully in her sleep on 3 April 2017. Her tangi was held at Waahi Pa in Huntly where her body lay in state before being taken for burial at the royal cemetery at Mount Taupiri.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Kīngitanga in mourning over the loss of Tomairangi Paki", Television New Zealand, 3 April 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  2. ^ Black, T. "Tomairangi Paki receives Life Member award", Māori Television, 1 May 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Colourful final tribute by Taniwharau for beloved leader". Māori Television. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  4. ^ Clarke, M. "Memories of Taniwharau resonates at Tomairangi Paki’s tangi", Māori Television, 1 May 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
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