About Dame Mira Szászy

The late Dame Mira Szászy DBE, CB, QSMJP, BA, DipSocSci, LLD (Vic) was one of the most outstanding Māori women leaders of the 20th century.

Dame Mira was the first Māori woman to graduate with a degree from the University of Auckland. She was a former President of The Māori Women's Welfare League. In 1990, she was made Dame Commander of the British Empire.

Dame Mira made significant contributions in education, broadcasting, social welfare and small business development. In 1993 she received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Victoria University of Wellington in recognition of her contribution to the nation.

Creed

My first love is my family but I love my tribe
I know my tribe but I am proud of my race
I am proud of my race but I am not racist
Therefore I belong to my race but I would serve my nation
I would serve my nation but I have a reverence for humanity
Because I have a reverence for all humanity
I would oppose inhumanity anywhere and everywhere
It is because I have this reverence for humanity that I grieve for all who now suffer,
and pray for all mankind
It is because I believe in God that I have this reverence for humanity.
My family, my tribe, my race, my nation
Let this be my vision of the future
My extended family
All creeds, all races, all nations
Let this be my new world
A part of my own humanity.
In the beginning was God
All things were made by Him
And as many as were made by Him
And as many as received Him
To them gave He power to become His children
This is my destiny
This is my prayer