 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2022) |
Dame June Mariu | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Mariu in 2012 | |
| 12th President of the Māori Women's Welfare League | |
| In office 1987–1990 | |
| Preceded by | Dame Georgina Kirby |
| Succeeded by | Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mabel June Hinekahukura Waititi 1 June 1932 Wharekahika / Hicks Bay, Aotearoa |
| Died | 10 August 2024 (aged 92) Otamaroa, Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa |
| Spouse | Joseph Mariu |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Hoani Waititi (uncle) Archbishop Brown Tūrei (uncle) Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi (cousin) Kahurangi Waititi (cousin) Rawiri Waititi (nephew) Taika Waititi (nephew) Tweedie Waititi (neice) Rob Ruha (nephew) |
| Education | Queen Victoria School for Māori Girls Teachers' Training College |
| Known for | Community Leader |
Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu DNZM QSM JP (née Waititi, 1 June 1932 – 10 August 2024), known by most as "Aunty June" or "Mrs. M", was a New Zealand Māori community leader, teacher, sportswoman and served as a Justice of the Peace for many years before retiring.[1]
Mariu represented Aotearoa in two sporting codes. As a netball stalwart she was the first winning captain of the national team (now known as the Silver Ferns) in 1960. She also represented New Zealand in indoor basketball. She also played softball regionally for Auckland and North Island teams.[2] Mariu was inducted into the Māori Sports Awards Hall of Fame in February 2014 joining many other notable Māori sports people like Dame Ruia Morrison.[1]
Between 1987 and 1990, she served as national president of the Māori Women's Welfare League.[1] Mariu was appointed a member of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission in 2000 by Parekura Horomia.
In the 1985 Queen's Birthday Honours, Mariu was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for public services.[3] In the 2006 New Year Honours, she was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and the community,[4] and in 2012 she was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit presented by Sir Jerry Mateparae, also for services to Māori and the community.[5] She continued to inspire many people from the grassroots up.
Mariu had strong ties with the Kiingitanga Movement through the first Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Ātairangikaahu, as well as through her iwi of Te Whānau a Apanui. She later became a member of the Tekau-Ma-Rua, a group of representatives from across the country chosen by the Māori king Te Arikinui Kiingi Tūheitia.[6]
Mariu was chosen to serve as the first patron to New Zealand's largest Māori public health body, Hāpai Te Hauora Tapui back in 2014. She had the honour of being officially appointed by King Tūheitia. Mariu was the representative for Hapai Te Hauora. Her relation Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi is also currently in this group as a companion member due to her work for Māori language revival.
June Mariu supported Te Pāti Māori from its inception, including giving her support to the former ministers and co-leaders Dame Tariana Turia, Sir Pita Sharples and Te Ururoa Flavell.
- ^ a b c Taylor, Alister, ed. (2001). New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001. Auckland: Alister Taylor Publishers. p. 577. ISSN 1172-9813.
- ^ admin. "June Mariu, nee Waititi – māori sports awards". Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ "No. 50155". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 15 June 1985. p. 3.
- ^ "New Year honours list 2006". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee honours list 2012". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ Dame June Mariu appointed patron of Hāpai Te Hauora, retrieved 24 May 2021