Love, Ripeka Wharawhara (1882–1953)

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Love, Ripeka Wharawhara (1882–1953)

New Zealand tribal leader. Name variations: Ripeka Matene (Rebecca Martin). Born on June 28, 1882, at Kapiti Island, New Zealand; died on April 6, 1953, at Lower Hutt, New Zealand; dau. of Paati Matene (farmer) and Anihaka Park; m. Wi Hapi Love (farmer), 1897; children: 10.

Her arranged marriage united Te Ati Awa families (1897); provided medical care for her people and advised mothers on maternity and domestic issues; during WWI, active in war and welfare work; became member of welfare organization, Nga Pani o Te Whanganui-a-Tara (orphans of Wellington, late 1920s); established meeting house (1933); elected patroness of Wellington District Council of Maori Women's Welfare League (1951). Made Order of British Empire (OBE, 1919).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).