In March 1931 Nēhua entered an open sea endurance competition at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney. Later in the month at the city’s Balmoral Baths she broke the world record with a swim of 72 hours 9 minutes. She went on to break her world record in May 1931 at Brisbane’s municipal baths, swimming for 72 hours 21 minutes.
Ngāti Toa leader, peacemaker, composer of waiata
Hariata, a Ngāpuhi woman from Te Ahuahu, visited England in 1863 with a tour party of Māori people.
Shawnee dancer Yvonne Chouteau was one of the “Five Moons”, Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma who gained international fame in the 20th century.
Identical twins Bernice and Doreen Lumley were well-known athletes from New Zealand.
Identical twins Bernice and Doreen Lumley were well-known athletes from New Zealand.
The most famous of the women of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto in the nineteenth century was undoubtedly Rihi Puhiwahine Te Rangi-hirawea.
Her ability and dedication to her task overcame initial opposition and became a beacon for others, both Māori and Pākehā, when a Māori health nursing service was officially established in 1911.
Maori activist Kia Rīwai played a major role in establishing the successful trade-training scheme in New Zealand.
Hine-i-paketia was a leader of Heretaunga (Hawke’s Bay), and of the district extending south to the Manawatū Gorge, during the nineteenth century. She was publicly consulted by influential chiefs. She did not hesitate to speak at meetings and her name headed petitions to the governor.