Patea loses its lovely Nanny

Patea is in mourning, with the death of "Nanny Hui" – the signature voice behind one of Taranaki's greatest cultural exports. Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist for the Patea Maori Club, died yesterday at her home, aged 73. She was raised in Waitotara but moved to Patea to be with the love of her life, Ngaonepu Huka Kahukuranui, and began a celebrated career in education. Mrs Kahu shot to fame as the leader of the Patea Maori Club when the late Dalvanius Prime's iconic song Poi-E took New Zealand – and beyond – by storm. But those close to her say she would be remembered as a woman of great strength and tremendous compassion. Grandson Tauke King said thanks to "Uncle Dal" generations would still get a chance to hear her sing. "Without his legacy we wouldn't have a chance to have our Nanny's voice live on forever," he said. "Even though she's passed away we can just flick on the radio, listen to Poi-E, and she's there." Mr King said she would push others toward greatness while standing back from the limelight. "Even though she was known as the lady who fronts `that song' she would always push others to the front," he said. Mr King said during her teaching career, both at Patea Primary School and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngati Ruanui, she helped shaped thousands of young Taranaki minds. Mrs Kahu taught at the kura from 1999 to 2007 and principal Mama Kumeroa said she had been a huge inspiration to the children. "We see her performing through all of the children today through her influence and mentoring, and we will continue to see that for years to come. "She had her grandkids, but if you weren't her grandchild, you still felt like one." Nephew Archie Hurunui said his aunt was a calm and measured woman, but you knew exactly when you were in trouble. "How did you know that? By body language." Fellow Patea Maori Club member Topsy Gardner said Taranaki and indeed all of New Zealand had lost a true friend. "She had a wonderful voice. So lovely. "She would welcome you into her house; it didn't matter who you are or where you came from." Mrs Kahu is survived by her husband, 11 children, 28 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be lying at Wai-o Turi Marae until her tangi on April 30. Poi-E voice lost HANNAH FLEMING AND LAIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 28/04/2012 - © Fairfax NZ News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLUygS0IAQ&feature=player_embedded#!