Dame Whina Cooper’s Legacy Lives On Through Her Granddaughter’s Clothing Collection

A new clothing collection is paying tribute to Dame Whina Cooper, a trailblazer for Māori land rights who dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice. The collection, launched by her granddaughter Irenee Cooper, aims to reflect Dame Whina’s enduring values of kotahitanga (unity), mana (self-respect), and resilience.

A Tribute to a Matriarch

The launch of the collection comes at a time when Māori rights are at the forefront of national discussions. Irenee Cooper, who is also a renowned advocate for Māori unity, said that her grandmother’s legacy was more relevant now than ever. “Dame Whina Cooper dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice for Māori. This collection is a tribute to her strength, vision, and enduring influence,” she stated.

A Collection Born from Kotahitanga

The collection features a range of kākahu (traditional clothing) inspired by the Māori landmarks of 1975, including silk scarves and kete. Irenee Cooper explained that her grandmother was famous for her scarves and weaving, and that she had a particular style that is now being revisited through the collection. “She was famous for her scarves and her weaving. Her raranga (weaving) was top notch and she had a particular style,” she said.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Irene Cooper hopes that the collection will inspire the next generation to continue her grandmother’s kaupapa. “The fight which started from ’75 is for the generations to come and it’s up to us to carry it through. We should never ever forget our tūpuna (ancestors) and what they stood for,” she said.

A Commitment to Māori Unity

Phase one of the collection will be released on Dame Whina’s birthday, 9 December, with different phases and drops to be released in 2025. Irenee Cooper encourages people to sign up for her website, damewhinacooper.co.nz, to stay notified about the launch.

A Final Message

The collection is a testament to Dame Whina Cooper’s enduring legacy and commitment to Māori unity. As Irenee Cooper so aptly put it, “We’re only getting stronger as we move forward.” The clothing collection is a reminder that her kaupapa remains relevant today, and that her values of kotahitanga, mana, and resilience continue to inspire us all.

In conclusion, the Dame Whina Cooper clothing collection is a powerful tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice for Māori. Through this collection, Irenee Cooper aims to inspire the next generation to carry on her grandmother’s kaupapa, and to continue the fight for Māori unity.