Mangakahia, Meri Te Tai (1868–1920)

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Mangakahia, Meri Te Tai (1868–1920)

New Zealand tribal leader and suffragist. Name variations: Meri Te Tai. Born Meri Te Tai, c. May 22, 1868, near Whakarapa, on Holianga Harbor, New Zealand; died Oct 10, 1920, at Panguru, New Zealand; dau. of Re Te Tai and Hana Tera; m. Hamiora Mangakahia, late 1880s or early 1890s (died 1918); children: 2 sons, 2 daughters.

Came into contact with suffrage movement through New Zealand's Women's Christian Temperance Union; as the 1st recorded Maori woman to address Parliament, pressed for rights of participation of women in choosing its members (1893); maintained active role in Maori politics.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).

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