Tirikatene-Sullivan, Whetu (1932–)

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Tirikatene-Sullivan, Whetu (1932–)

New Zealand politician. Name variations: Whetu Tirikatene, Whetu Tirikatene Sullivan, Whetu Sullivan. Born Whetu Tirikatene, Jan 9, 1932, in Ratana Pa, NZ; dau. of Eruera Tirikatene (MP); m. Denis Sullivan (lecturer in physics).

One of the longest serving members in the New Zealand House of Representatives, male or female, represented Labour for Southern Maori (1967–96); was the 1st woman to give birth while an MP (1970); appointed Minister for Tourism (1972), becoming the 1st Maori woman Cabinet minister.