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Maata Wharehoka lives with a painful lung disease - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Her chronic pain is such that she'd seriously consider euthanasia if she met the legal requirements when the End of Life Choice Act takes effect on 7 November.
Wharehoka (Ngāti Tahinga, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Kuia) has been a voluntary euthanasia advocate for many years. A trained nurse, she works as a death doula, reviving traditional methods of death and burial. Her whānau believe Māori traditionally had a form of euthanasia.
Wharehoka is also spokeswoman for Parihaka Pā, where she has been a caretaker of the marae for over 30 years. This coming Friday 5 November marks 140 years since Māori were evicted from the peaceful settlement.
Photo: Qiane Matata-Sipu/NUKU