Dame Whina Cooper’s Legacy Lives On Through New Clothing Collection

A new clothing collection is set to honor the legacy of Dame Whina Cooper, a trailblazer for Māori land rights who dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice for Māori. Launched by her granddaughter Irenee Cooper, the collection reflects Dame Whina’s enduring values of kotahitanga, resilience, and mana.

The Birth of a Movement

In 1975, Dame Whina led a historic hīkoi to Parliament, a 1,100km march that showcased Māori unity and determination. The event was a pivotal moment in the fight for Māori rights, and its impact is still felt today.

“I felt like this was the time to bring something forward,” said Irenee Cooper, who launched the collection alongside her grandmother’s legacy. “The Toitū Te Tiriti activation and everything my grandmother stood for were at the forefront of national discussions.”

A Tribute to Dame Whina’s Strength and Vision

The collection is a tribute to Dame Whina’s strength, vision, and enduring influence. Irenee Cooper hopes that it will inspire the next generation to continue her grandmother’s kaupapa.

“Dame Whina’s values were kotahitanga, mana, and resilience,” said Irenee. “We’re trying to give everyone the opportunity to wear something that she loves.”

The collection includes kākahu such as silk scarves and kete, which Dame Whina specifically liked. It also features t-shirts, sweatshirts, and commissioned artwork.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Irene Cooper hopes that the collection will inspire young people to carry on her grandmother’s fight for Māori rights.

“The fight started from ’75 is for the generations to come and it’s up to us to carry it through,” said Irenee. “The essence of what I’d like to bring here is that the fight started long before us being born.”

Phase one of the collection will be released on Dame Whina’s birthday, December 9th, with subsequent phases and drops planned for 2025.

How to Stay Up-to-Date

For updates on the launch and future collections, visit damewhinacooper.co.nz. You can also sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

The Dame Whina Cooper collection is more than just clothing – it’s a celebration of Māori culture and a tribute to the legacy of a true New Zealand icon.