Mother of the Nation: Whina Cooper

Mother of the Nation: Whina Cooper and the long walk for justice – by David Hill, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse

The true story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exceptional leaders and a courageous wahine toa, who united thousands of Māori and Pākehā to address injustices, and whose mana and determination continue to inspire us today.

When Whina was very young, her father knew she was a born leader.
At 18, she organised her first protest to save iwi land.
At 56, she helped found the Māori Women’s Welfare League.
And at 79, she walked an incredible 1000 kilometres to Parliament
to deliver a message:
Not One More Acre of Māori Land.

Whina was an exceptional speaker, farmer and sportswoman. She could organise events at the drop of a hat. And she would get on the phone to tell the Prime Minister exactly what she thought.

Written and illustrated specially for children, this is the true story of an extraordinary woman whose energy and mana drove many successful campaigns for Māori rights. Her leadership in her community radiated out to all corners of Aotearoa, and her legacy lives on 50 years after her famous hīkoi.

Format: This book is a Hardcover.

Language:  This book is written in English.

Published: August 2025.