Born in Otago (Ōtākou) on 9 May 1886, Miriona Mutu Mira was married Wehi-o-te-whenua Sylvanus Budge and was the grand-daughter of Aperahama Mutu Mira. Miriona returned to Paekākāriki in the early 1900's, raised her family of seven daughters and one son and fought to retain her 16-acre block of family land that ran from the coast through the northern end of Paekākāriki out to the railway line.
Eventually and against her wishes, she had the land acquired by the Crown for what is now Queen Elizabeth Park. She was also one of a number of people in the village who lost her home for military purposes during the War.
Miriona was a strong advocate for her whanau and her community in Paekākāriki - a woman who attracted love and respect from those who met her.
Miriona had a huge impact on her whanau, hapu and community. She was passionate about keeping her family land for future generations and helped inspire the importance of intergenerational ahi kāa in the area.
Miriona Budge died in Paekākāriki in 1970 aged 84.