Ngata, Apirana

Born into a Maori family in Te Araroa (then Kawakawa), a small coastal town 175 km north of Gisborne . Originally from ivi (clan) Ngati Porou ( Ngāti Porou ). His father was considered an expert in local folklore. Ngata grew up in a traditional Maori environment, from childhood spoke the native language, but the father also made every effort to get the child better acquainted with the " pakeha " (white settlers), considering it a boon to his native clan.

Ngata attended elementary school in the village. Vaimatatini , and then moved to Te Teut College, where he received a "white" education. With his high marks, Ngata received a scholarship to enter the University of Canterbury (now - University of Canterbury ), where he studied political science and law. He received a bachelor's degree in political science (1893), then a licentiate at the University of Auckland (1896).

In 1895, a year before graduating and receiving a law degree, Ngata married Arihia Kane Tamati, also from the Ngati Porou clan. Earlier, Ngata was engaged to her older sister, Te Rina, but she died before the wedding, and Apirana offered her hand to her younger sister, who at the time of marriage was only 16 years old. 15 children were born in the marriage, of which 3 boys and 1 girl died in early childhood, and 6 girls and 5 boys survived to maturity.

Soon after receiving the diploma of Apiran Ngata and his wife returned to Waiomatatini, where they built a house. Ngata quickly gained fame in the community for his efforts to improve the social and economic conditions of Maori throughout the country. He also actively worked to spread Maori culture and adapt it to modern society. At the same time, he acquired the role of leader in the clan Ngati Porou, especially in the area of ​​land and finance management.

The impetus for the participation of Ngata in politics was his friendship with J. Carroll , who served as minister for indigenous affairs in the government of the liberals. Ngata assisted Carroll in the preparation of bills protecting Maori rights. Ngata became a member of parliament in the elections of 1905 from the liberal party.

In parliament, Ngata proved to be a capable orator, and in 1909-1912 he was a minister in a liberal government. After the defeat of the liberals went with them to the opposition.

During World War I, he actively participated in the campaign to recruit Maori to the front.

Although Ngata was in opposition, he maintained fairly good relations with opponents from the ruling Reform Party. He maintained a particularly good relationship with G. Coats , who became the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 1925. With his participation, several government committees were established, in particular, the Maori Funds Control Committee ( Māori Purposes Fund Control Board ) and the Maori Ethnological Research Committee ( Board of Māori Ethnological Research ).

At the same time, Ngata is actively involved in scientific and literary activities. He publishes a series of works about Maori culture, including Nga moteatea , a collection of Maori songs of the Waiata genre. Thanks to his efforts, many new Maori meeting houses were built throughout the country. He also encouraged sports activities among Maori, organized intertribal competitions. Finally, he created for Maori a bishop in the Anglican Church.

In 1927 he was knighted (previously among the Maori, James Carroll and Pomar were honored with this honor).

In the elections of 1928, the United Party (the new name of the Liberals) unexpectedly won. Ngata became Minister of Indigenous Affairs (at that time, the third most important office position). Basically, his work in this post was devoted to land reform. In 1929, his wife and son died from the disease.

In 1932, however, criticism of Ngata and the Department of Indigenous Affairs headed by him increased. Many politicians believed that Ngata was forcing reforms, which created organizational difficulties and confusion. An investigation of the activities of the department was appointed, which established that one of Ngata’s assistants had falsified reports. Ngata himself was criticized for disrespecting the requirements of official instructions, which, in his opinion, retarded progress. There were accusations (unproven) that Ngata carried out activities in the interests of the native clan Ngati Porou. Ngata, rejecting the charges against him personally, nonetheless acknowledged violations in the department and resigned as minister.

Many Maoris were annoyed by his resignation, believing that he was the victim of a “ pakeha ” who were trying to hinder his land reform.

Although Ngata resigned as minister, he continued to be elected to parliament until 1943. After that, continued to engage in active social activities.

The portrait of Ngata is depicted on a $ 50 New Zealand banknote.

• Biography in 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
• The Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Volume 6 (1908); Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Province: page 301 (has photo)