Rūmātiki Ruth Wright

Fostered Māori pre-school education by setting up playcentres and reviving other community organisations in rural centres. The playcentres in the Waikato–Maniapoto district were among the first to encourage use of the Māori language, foreshadowing the kohanga reo scheme.

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Puna Hīmene Te Rangimārie

Described as the ‘smartest Māori woman it has been my lot to meet’ by an investigating policeman, Puna Hīmene Te Rangimārie was one of the first to be prosecuted under the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907.

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Rona Marjory Hurley

Well able to hold her own in an industry dominated by men, and to move easily among differing sections of society, Rona was respected for her straight talking, for her abilities as a grower and buyer, and for her extensive knowledge of the tobacco industry as a whole.

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Piupiu Te Wherowhero

Independent, determined and capable, she symbolised a number of struggles: for survival and reconstruction among an impoverished people made helpless through land confiscations; and for recognition of the Rātana faith among the leadership and people of the King movement. She exemplified, also, the strong leadership qualities shown by many women of the Waikato kāhui ariki.

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Rangitīaria Dennan

Rangitīaria Dennan, better known as Guide Rangi, achieved wide recognition as a cultural ambassador. With charm, insight and wit she imparted the essentials of Māori tradition to the tourists she guided around the thermal attractions at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.

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Reremoana Hakiwai

Reremoana could move comfortably between Māori and Pākehā worlds, creating lasting friendships and associations. She gave freely of her time, helped those who were less fortunate, and was a gracious and generous host.

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Sophia Hinerangi

Sophia Hinerangi, sometimes known as Te Paea (Tepaea), was the principal tourist guide of the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana before the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, and later guided at Whakarewarewa. As Guide Sophia she was the most famous woman of her time in Rotorua.

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