Winifred Jardine, who died on 12 July 2004, was from Ngati One One, Te Poho O Rawiri, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngati Porou and also of Scottish heritage. She was a loved colleague and friend at Te Puni Kokiri.

Winne was born in Wellington and grew up in the suburb of Berhampore. She was a high achiever. Among her many accomplishments Winnie was a talented sportswoman with a passion for softball. In her younger years she played for Island Bay Softball Club and later represented New Zealand, Wellington and the North Island. Later Winnie continued to play a major role in softball by managing the Island Bay Premier 2 Men's team and coaching the Wellington under-15 representative team. Winnie was also a strong supporter of the Poneke Softball Club under-17s team.

After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington with a LLB in 1990, Winnie worked for the Iwi Transition Agency. She later moved to Simpson Grierson and specialised in corporate law, commercial law, and Māori issues.

In 1996 Winnie went to Te Puni Kokiri as a senior solicitor. During her time there she completed a BA majoring in politics. Winnie also served on the University Council at Victoria and became the first Māori woman to be appointed as Pro Chancellor in 1998. Among other things, Winnie represented Māori at international fora and was an active member of the Māori Women's Welfare League. Most recently Winnie was instrumental in establishing the Māori Television Service - a major initiative towards the revitalisation of Māori language. Winnie's contribution to this project was pivotal.

Winnie was tireless in her commitment to the work of Te Puni Kokiri and was a role model for many as a mentor, a leader, and a strong advocate for Māori. Winnie will be sadly missed.

Winifred is survived by her loved ones - her husband Steve and her three sons, Joshua, Jesse and Jacob, who were her pride and joy.

He wahine ahuru. He taonga koe nā Hine Te Iwaiwa.

This obituary was published in Council Brief, the monthly newsletter of the Wellington District Law Society, in the August 2004 issue.