New Zealand Indigenous Maori Queen Died Today

The New Zealand Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu died today.

See also this article linked from the CNN.com website:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand --Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the queen of New Zealand's indigenous Maori population, died Tuesday, her family announced. She was 75.

Te Ata was the sixth Maori sovereign, a direct descendant of a royal line that began in 1858 when the Maori responded to Britain's colonization of New Zealand by choosing a monarch of their own. The role carries only ceremonial powers but is hugely respected by most Maori.

She died at her home on central North Island surrounded by children and grandchildren, the family said.

Te Ata was the longest-serving head of the Kingitanga (King) movement, which largely was a response to continual Maori land losses as European settlers flocked to the British colony and took land from the indigenous people.

Te Ata became Maori queen in May 1966, the day her father, King Koroki Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao, was buried. She was immediately catapulted into a role that included mixing with some of the world's most influential people.

She raised the profile of Maori overseas, acting as cultural ambassador for Maori and indigenous people and as hostess to most royal and diplomatic visitors to New Zealand, dining with dignitaries including former President Clinton and South African President Nelson Mandela.

This is really big news here. Apparently the coffin will be paddled up the river by waka, then taken up to a hilltop burial ground. I've been to a few different ceremonial events (including a funeral) and they're always pretty moving with lots of amazing and very emotional singing. These guys really know how to send off a loved one.

Who is her heir?

Thanks AA, good stuff to know.