He Aitua, He Aitua, He Aitua
Katerina (Kitty) Bennett MNZM
Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, Rongowhakaata
22 May 1945 – 12 June 2025
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved Board Member, Katerina (Kitty) Bennett MNZM on Thursday, 12 June 2025. Katerina passed away peacefully in Wellington surrounded by her whānau.
Katerina brought unwavering dedication, wisdom, and heart to her mahi as a Board Member of Māori Women’s Development Inc and Past National President of the Maori Womens Welfare League.
Māreikura Katerina served on the Board of Trustees from 2002 and held the office of National President of the Maori Womens Welfare League from 2002 to 2005.
With expertise in business and innovation, Katerina brought a wealth of experience from her years at MBIE and a lifelong commitment to consumer issues and education. Her dedication extended across many kaupapa, including Aotearoa Māori Netball, the Awakairangi Hāhi Mīhingare, the Wellington Branch of Te Rōpū Waiata Māori, and Te Taura Here ō Ngāti Porou ki Pōneke.
In 2016, Katerina affectionately known as Kitty was named a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards, recognising her leadership among wāhine in Aotearoa and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her dedication and service to Māori.
Kitty was a beloved friend and a fierce advocate for wāhine Māori and their whānau. Her presence was calm and unwavering, her whakaaro always considered, and her mana beyond question, she will be dearly missed.
On behalf of the Board and the wider MWDI whānau, I extend our aroha and heartfelt condolences to her daughters Kirsty and Kathryn and all her mokopuna and whānau. Her legacy lives on in all of us she guided, supported, and believed in.
Te Rā nehu will be held on Tuesday, 17 June at 11:00 AM at Whāngārā followed by burial at the family urupā.
Haere atu rā e te Māreikura. Moe mai rā i to moenga roa.
Druis Barrett CNZM, QSM
Chairperson | Māori Women’s Development Inc
Linda Clay
Kaiwhakahere | Māori Women’s Development Inc