Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the seventh Maori sovereign, died on Tuesday, two weeks after celebrating her 75th birthday.

Dame Te Ata was named queen after her father died 40 years ago. She was known as a promoter of Maori culture and sovereignty.

Dame Te Ata recently began dialysis treatment for diabetes. She had been admitted to a hospital last month.

A week of mourning has begun in New Zealand in preparation of the funeral on Monday. Dame Te Ata will lie in state before being laid to rest at Taupiri Mountain.

Get the Story:
Dame Te Ata, 75, Maori Queen and Promoter of Their Culture, Dies (AP 8/16)
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Week of mourning begins for Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Radio New Zealand 8/16)
Haere ra to the Maori Queen - a 'gracious lady' (The Daily Post 8/16)
Nation mourns 'mighty' Maori queen (The Age 8/16)