Riwai, Kiti Karaka (1870–1927)

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Riwai, Kiti Karaka (1870–1927)

New Zealand tribal leader. Name variations: Kiti Karaka, Catherine Clark, Kate Clark, Kitty Clark, Kiti Karaka Te Ao Ahitana, Kiti Ashton. Born Sept 12, 1870, on Ruapuke Island in Foveaux Strait, New Zealand; died on Jan 21, 1927, at Greytown, New Zealand; dau. of Arapetere Karaka (Albert Clark) and Mary (Owen) Karaka; m. Riwai Te Ropiha, late 1880s (div. early 1900s); m. Te Ao Ahitana Matenga (Joseph Ashton), 1906; children: (1st m.) 9; (2nd m.) 1.

After 1st marriage ended in bitter family dispute, petitioned for return of inherited land, claiming she and another Maori woman were sole surviving relatives of then ruler; though awarded more than 600 acres, abandoned the land and her children from that marriage when residents demanded succession order be overturned.

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