Model for Pania of the Reef statue dies aged 86
Thursday 21 November 2024 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Te Pāti Māori
Mei Whaitiri, who served as the model for Napier’s Pania of the Reef statue, has died at age 86. She was a student at Hukarere Māori Girls when her likeness was used for the bronze statue. She was the mother of former MP Meka Whaitiri.