She was a groundbreaker.
In 1999, Hinewehi Mohi, of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tūhoe, sang the national anthem only in te reo Māori at an international rugby match.
Reaction to that performance sparked a national debate about the use of te reo Māori in Aotearoa.
This weekend, in recognition of her contining contribution to Māori, music and television, she was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Dame Hinewehi spoke to Guyon Espiner.