item details
NameH M Rangitakaiwaho, Rangitira Ngati Kahungunu, Wairarapa NZ
ProductionGottfried Lindauer; artist; 1880; New Zealand
Classificationpaintings
Materialsoil paint, canvas
Materials Summaryoil on canvas
DimensionsImage: 537mm (width), 660mm (height)
Registration Number1992-0035-1687
Credit lineGift of the Hon. John Ballance, Native Minister, 1885
Overview
Even in his earlier years, Te Mānihera Te Rangi-taka-i-waho (?-1885) was known to dress in fine European fashion, as many aspiring young Māori men did. Here, he projects gentlemanly sophistication.
Te Mānihera was a controversial figure. He was caught up in the moral dilemmas that faced all Māori leaders during colonisation - particularly whether to retain tribal lands or to sell or lease them for commercial gain. He became prominent in land sales and was instrumental in opening the Wairarapa to development.
Te Mānihera also founded the Pāpāwai Māori community. Somewhat ironically, Pāpāwai later became a centre of Te Kōtahitanga - an independent Māori parliament that championed land retention.