Mabel Wharekawa-Burt Explained

Mabel Wharekawa-Burt is a New Zealand Māori film and television actress and community leader.^{[1] [2]}

Biography

Wharekawa-Burt was raised in Katikati, in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, by her aunt and uncle as a whāngai adoption. Her home marae is Te Rereatukahia Marae. She attended Katikati College and was the first Māori student to serve as a prefect.

She has appeared in several feature films, including Whale Rider, In My Father's Den, Jubilee and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.^[3] She has also appeared in television programmes such as Shortland Street and Mataku. 

Recognition

In the 2009 New Year Honours, Wharekawa-Burt was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the performing arts and the community.

In October 2019, Wharekawa-Burt was inducted into the hall of fame at the inaugural Vaine Rangatira awards for Cook Islands women.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mabel Wharekawa-Burt The Governor-General of New Zealand. 9 August 2020. gg.govt.nz. en.
2. News: 10 July 2011. On the Record: Mabel Wharekawa-Burt. en-NZ. NZ Herald. 9 August 2020. 1170-0777.
3. Web site: Caro. Niki. Taonga. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. Whale rider (Te Kaieke Tohorā). 9 August 2020. teara.govt.nz. en.
4. Web site: Vaine Rangatira awards and recognition 2019 . Jonathan Milne . Cook Islands News . 23 October 2019 . 10 August 2020.