Ngata

The House logo of Ngata features the Tukutuku pattern of the Ngata whanau of Ngati Porou. This is a reminder to Ngata House of Ngata’s tireless service to others. Members of Ngata House seek to follow Ngata’s example of being forward-thinking, hard-working and putting the concern of others above their own.

Sir Apirana Turupa Ngata (Ngati Porou) was born at Te Araroa, on the East Coast, 3 July, 1874. Ngata attended Waiomatatini Native School from age five before attending Te Aute College. His marks at College were such that he was awarded a Te Makarini Scholarship. This enabled him to attend Canterbury College in 1893, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Later, added a Master of Arts.

In 1896, having moved to Auckland and begun work for Devore and Cooper, he completed his Bachelor of Laws. He was the first Maori to complete a Degree at a New Zealand University. In 1895, Ngata married Arihia Kane Tamati (Ngati Porou). Together they had 15 children.

From 1899 onwards, Ngata was heavily involved in trying to better the social and economic well being of Maori. He was the chief land reformer of Ngati Porou and spent years investing in Ngati Porou lands, and setting up systems of land management and development that were implemented by other Iwi across New Zealand. In 1905, Ngata contested and won the Eastern Maori Parliament seat. It was a seat he was to hold until 1943.

Ngata was an immensely able politician, who undertook many ventures as a Minister. This included the recruitment and formation of the Maori Battalion in both World Wars, and Maori land reforms throughout New Zealand. Ngata worked tirelessly for the preservation of Maori identity and culture.

Ngata was the Native Minister in 1928 and was ranked third in Cabinet. As a Minister, Ngata was able to secure Government funding to allow Maori to develop their lands further.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck Ngata in 1929, when Arihia and his eldest son Makarini died of Dysentery. Ngata, however, continued his work in the same vein as before. In 1943, Ngata finally lost his seat in Parliament.

Ngata died on 14 July 1950 at Waiomatatini. He is remembered as the politician responsible for the revival of the Maori identity and culture in the early Twentieth Century. He was known as a man of intelligence, selflessness, perseverance and integrity.

Sir Apirana Ngata is a fine example of a good man. He exemplifies the values of being respectful, generous, resilient, committed, honest and loyal.