Dame Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira was a visionary artist, writer, educator and a driving force in the revitalisation of te reo Māori. Renowned for her creativity and leadership, she played a foundational role in reawakening the Māori language and shaping Māori education in Aotearoa.

As co-founder of Te Ataarangi, alongside Ngoi Pēwhairangi, Kāterina introduced an innovative and inclusive approach to language learning, using coloured rākau (sticks) to support natural conversation. Known widely as "the rākau method," this approach continues to support thousands of learners across generations.

A prolific author, translator and illustrator, her creative work was inseparable from her advocacy. Her writing and visual storytelling opened new pathways for the use and teaching of te reo Māori in homes, schools, and communities. She was instrumental in the establishment of kura kaupapa Māori and was described by Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples as "the mother of kura kaupapa Māori."

Kāterina served as a member of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), and in recognition of her contributions, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Waikato in 1996. She was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and elevated to Dame Companion shortly before her passing in 2011.

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