CHIEFTAINESS'S DEATH

Chronicle (Levin), 27 March 1946, Page 2

CHIEFTAINESS'S DEATH

LINK WITH TE EADPARAHA Last week there was a largelyattended tangihanga in progress at the Porirua pa, owing to the death of Mrs. Haana Wi Neera, one of the oldest members of the community. The burial took place on Saturday at Porirua, according to the rites of the Mormon Church, of which Mrs. Wi Neera was a member. The death of the chiefteness, who had been a most energetic worker for the tribe over the years, recalls a link with the famous Ngati-Toa chief, Te . Rauparaha. It comes through Tuteri, a daughter of the iatter. Tuteri married Te Kanae, and they had Uira,' and from the latter came Wi Neera Te Kanae (the husband of the late Mrs. Wi Neera) . The deceased belonged to the Ngati-Raukawa tribe, and was born in the Otaki district 85 .years ago. At the time of her birth the original bush still covered that area, and there were still living several of the chiefs and elders who had accom- | panied Te Rauparaha when he came i south and conquered the 'coastline | 1 opposite Kapiti and occupied the J latter island, A member of the i Cootes family of that district, Mrs. iWi Neera came in direct descent from Te Whatanui, of Ngati-Rau-,i kawa, another of the leaders of the 1 migration. Mrs. Wi Neera is survived by three ■sons,' Messrs. Benjamin, Te Kanae, and Te Rauparaha Wi Neera, and j oy numerous grandchildren. She j had survived her husband for many ' years. One son was killed' in* the ; 1914-18 war. .