Matenga, Huria (1840/42–1909)

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Matenga, Huria (1840/42–1909)

New Zealand tribal leader and landowner. Name variations: Ngarongoa Katene, Nga Hota. Born Ngarongoa Katene, c. 1840 and 1842, at Whakapuaka (near Nelson), New Zealand; died April 24, 1909, at Whakapuaka, New Zealand; dau. of Wikitoria Te Amohau and Wiremu Katene Te Puoho; m. Hemi Matenga Wai-punahau.

Born to pacifist parents who were leaders of Whakapuaka, married into highly regarded family with extensive land holdings; gained prominence after rescuing shipwrecked crew (1863); inherited rights to nearly 18,000 acres of land following father's death and spent most of her life fighting petitions to the land.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).