A Tribute - Merata Mita: 19 June 1942 - 31 May 2010

Posted Tuesday 31 May 2011

He wahine whai mana, he wahine whai kaha

Mai i a WIFT NZ nga mihi nui ki a koe Merata nau nei i whakapuare te matapihi o te oranga mo nga Wahine o te Ao Kiriata me te Ao Papaho. Kua waiho mai e koe te whiriwhiringa hei whainga ki te taumata ko koe kei o matau whatumanawa mo ake tonu atu.

An inspiration for woman across the globe, Merata gave us the courage to seek the truth, to pursue excellence and to do it in style. Merata told real stories and she never once compromised her role as a woman, a mother, a grandmother and an activist. Merata was a role model for many, dearly loved and deeply respected.

On behalf of WIFT NA, thank you Merata for unlocking the window of opportunity for Women in Film and Television. You left us with the challenge to pursue excellence; you will remain in our hearts a Rangatira.

Hiona Henare, WIFT NZ Board member