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Dame Whina Cooper speaks about her Christian faith and the hīkoi/land march of September-October 1975.
Dame Whina Cooper speaks to Alwyn Owen about the crucifix she keeps above her bed. She says that during the land march, she put all her trust in the Lord. She explains the term "Matakite", relating to foresight and God overseeing all. She says they should be proud of the name, and not abuse it. She speaks further about prayer, and about working together in friendship with Pākehā. [The group Te Roopu o te Matakite "Those with foresight" was formed to help prevent alienation of Māori land.]
She speaks about the land march and crossing the Auckland Harbour bridge and explains how she wrote to the authorities to allow the marchers in their thousands to cross the bridge. She recalls the bridge swaying while they crossed.
Alwyn Owen says Whina has been given three adjectives: forceful, fearless and fiery. She agrees that this is a fair summation of her character, saying that she is not afraid to express her views and is also willing to admit when she is wrong. She also agrees that she is forceful, always pushing for what she believes in. In her heart, she says there is love for her people.
She goes on to discuss criticisms of her taking a leadership role as a woman She says she had been waiting for years for someone to speak up, and since no one did (and God gave her a tongue), she would share what she knows. There are many things for her to do yet, the priority was the land but there are other issues such as fisheries and forests. She says she has done her part with the Māori Women's League in her time also, and that women and the land go together.
This recording is part of the raw interviews that formed the basis of the radio documentary programmes Spectrum 280 and 281, by Alwyn Owen [see ID 22211].