Mother of the Nation by David Hill

Mother of the Nation: Whina Cooper by David Hill, illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse

Meet Dame Whina Cooper, the kuia who championed Māori rights and women’s rights and led a famous hīkoi for positive change.

The true story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exceptional leaders and a courageous wahine toa, who united thousands of Māori and Pākehā to address injustices, and whose mana and determination continue to inspire us today.

Written and illustrated specially for children, this is the true story of an extraordinary woman whose energy and mana drove many successful campaigns for Māori rights. Her leadership in her community radiated out to all corners of Aotearoa, and her legacy lives on 50 years after her famous hīkoi.

Hardback, 32 pages, published August 2025.