Around 90 Māoris celebrated the achievements of a Māori princess at a service at St Andrew’s church on Sunday, the place of her burial.
Mākereti Papakura had a deep connection to Oxfordshire and requested to be buried at Oddington following her untimely death in 1930. She is recognised as the first woman from an indigenous community to study at Oxford University and was awarded a posthumous degree for her trailblazing research into the traditions of her Te Arawa people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This degree was presented to Mākereti at a special service witnessed by her descendants and members of Te Arawa, many of whom had travelled from New Zealand.
Churchwarden Nigel Lambert said: “It was a really joyous occasion. The Māoris were clearly absolutely enthralled at the award of the degree. It was clear this was so meaningful for them. It was the most special event I’ve seen at this church in the 73 years I’ve been here.”
Following a service in the church, the congregation dressed in the red of the Te Arawa people headed outside for speeches and singing at Mākereti’s graveside.
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