The first Māori woman to be elected to Parliament, Iriaka Matiu Rātana was a passionate advocate for the welfare of her people.
Iriaka Ratana
Personal details
Full Name:
Iriaka Matiu Rātana
Lifetime:
25 Feb 1905 – 21 Dec 1981
Biography
Events In History
29 November 1949
Iriaka Rātana was elected as New Zealand’s first female Māori MP.
Main image: Iriaka Matiu Rātana
Labour MP, Iriaka Rātana speaking to supporters of the Rātana political movement on Manukorihi marae, Waitara.