Category Archives: Activism

Wharetutu Te Aroha Stirling

Wharetutu Stirling became involved in conservation issues, particularly through the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and campaigned successfully for the protection of historic areas and the restitution of traditional place names in Marlborough and Northern Canterbury. In the 1980s she served on the North Canterbury National Parks and Reserves Board. She also became deeply involved in the restoration of traditional arts within Ngāi Tahu, a task in which she and her husband became closely associated with the noted Māori artist Cliff Whiting and weaver Te Aue Davis.

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Esther Glen

One of New Zealand’s finest writers for children. She has been commemorated since 1945 by the Esther Glen Award, which is given by the New Zealand Library Association for only ‘the most distinguished’ contributions to New Zealand literature for children.

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Esther Marion Pretoria James

Esther Marion Pretoria James was remarkable for the diversity of her achievements, and in the 1930s became a national celebrity during a sponsored walk of the length of New Zealand.

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Patricia Laura Te Waikapoata Hond

In 1987 she helped establish the Taranaki Activity Centre, an alternative education institution for teenagers failing in the state education system. She also served on the local Regional Employment and Access Council (REAC), the supervising committee for the ACCESS and MACCESS work schemes.
Appalled at the poor state of Māori culture and language in Taranaki, she formed the Te Reo o Taranaki organisation to promote and foster Māoritanga. As Māori adviser to the Taranaki Polytechnic, she successfully agitated for the establishment of a Māori studies department and found highly skilled tutors for the staff. Through such initiatives Hond assisted a Māoritanga renaissance in Taranaki, especially among the young.

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June Opie

June Opie was a polio survivor, clinical psychologist, writer and broadcaster who overcame discrimination against the disabled to achieve professional and personal success. Her memoir, Over my dead body (1957), was an international best-seller and brought her widespread fame.

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