Papakura, Makereti (1873–1930)

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Papakura, Makereti (1873–1930)

New Zealand tribal leader, guide, writer, and ethnographer. Name variations: Margaret Pattison Thom, Maggie Papakura, Makereti Dennan, Makereti Staples-Browne. Born Margaret Pattison Thom, Oct 20, 1873, at Matata, in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand; died April 16, 1930, at Oxford, England; dau. of William Arthur Thom (shopkeeper) and Pia Ngarotu Te Rihi; m. Francis (Frank) Joseph Dennan (surveyor, div. 1900), 1891; m. Richard Charles Staples-Browne, 1912 (div. 1924); children: (1st m.) 1 son.

Following eruption of Mt. Tarawera (1885), became well-known guide under name of Maggie Papakura (late 1880s); dressed in Pakeha or Maori costume, was a popular subject for photographers; published Guide to the Hot Lakes District (1905); accompanied group of singers and performers on successful tour of London (1911–12); enrolled at University of Oxford to study for BSc in anthropology (1926), but died before final examination. The Old-time Maori, first extensive ethnographic work by Maori scholar, was published (1938).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).

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