In Memoriam: Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere on Sunday, December 13th in her home in Waikaremoana, New Zealand. Dr. Rose Pere, known to our movement as Indigenous Grandmother Rose Pere, was a Tohunga and a teacher of the Kura Huna, the traditional mystery school of the Maori. She served as the elder of several major tribes and a Guardian of Earth Mother. Internationally sought after as a speaker and spiritual authority, Rose spent her life as an educator of immense stature working in the world of Maori and non-Maori. She was the Young Maori Woman of the Year in 1972, awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration medal C.M. and became a Commander of the British Empire receiving her C.B.E. in 1996.
Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere was a keynote at the 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions where she joined the Indigenous Grandmothers in an opening ceremony on October 15th in the lighting of the Sacred Fire, addressed the Inaugural Women’s Assembly and the Women’s Dignity Plenary, and shared her wisdom on the programs, Indigenous Women’s Wisdom Sharing. Her immense wisdom and spirit were inspiring experiences to the more than 10,000 attendees who participated in the Salt Lake City Parliament.
The Parliament extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Rose Pere’s family, loved ones, and global community.