Hikapuhi (1860/71?–1934)

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Hikapuhi (1860/71?–1934)

New Zealand tribal prophet and healer. Name variations: Te Hikapuhi. Born between 1860 and 1871, at Rotorua, New Zealand; died on June 13, 1913, at Rotorua; dau. of Wiremu Poihipi and Harete Ngaputo (Harete Manuhuia); m. Alfred Clayton (surveyor), 1906 (died 1913); children: at least 8 daughters,3 sons.

Nursed Maori by administering doses of strong brandy, which launched official campaign against her (1907–13); credited with various miracles, was also accused of causing several deaths; her methods lost favor as professional nursing became more available to Maori.

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