Herangi, Te Kirihaehae Te Puea (1883–1952)
Herangi, Te Kirihaehae Te Puea (1883–1952)
New Zealand tribal leader. Name variations: Princess Te Puea. Born Nov 9, 1883, at Whatiwhatihoe, near Pirongia, New Zealand; died on Oct 12, 1952; dau. of Te Tahuna Herangi and Tiahuia; m. Rawiri Tumokai Katipa, 1922; children: adopted several.
Influential tribal leader who played crucial role in re-establishing King movement among Tainui people, and in bridging cultural differences between Maori and Pakeha, and working to establish economic and political strength for her people; led opposition to government's conscription policy during World Wars I and II; purchased confiscated land on bank of Waikato River and moved people there (1921); strengthened community by struggling for years to drain swampy land and raise funds to erect buildings; sought to improve economic condition of her people through land development and dairy farming and, by mid-1930s, Turangawaewae community was well-established; agreed to accept prime minister's offer of £5,000 annually in perpetuity as vindication for resettlement of people (1946); traveled throughout Polynesia working toward unity among all tribes (1950s); elected as patron of Maori Women's Welfare League (1951). Made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1950).
See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).