A niece of the Maori king, Tawhiao. Thoroughly educated in Maori language and culture, she took direction of the Kingitanga movement. She built Turangawaewae, south of Auckland, as a leading marae (social, political, cultural, and spiritual centre) and secured recognition of the Kingitanga from the New Zealand government. Her leadership strengthened Maori values and institutions while fostering a controlled accommodation of European influences, including commercial farming and education.