A leading figure in the revival of the Maori language, central to the creation of Maori immersion schools, has died.
Dame Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira, of Ngati Porou, generated interest in te reo Maori through her influence as an artist, writer, scholar, intellectual, organiser and teacher. Newstalk ZB has reported her death.
Dame Katerina was born in Tokomaru Bay in 1932, and leaves behind nine children and 50 grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5296705/Leading-Maori-language-figure-Dame-Katerina-dies
