Who was Sir Apirana Ngata ?

Apirana Turupa Ngata was one of the most influential and important people in New Zealand in the twentieth century. His life’s work was focused on restoring the balance of Maori and Pakeha in New Zealand and improving social conditions for Maori. He was born in 1874 to Paratene Ngata, of Ngati Porou, and Katerina Naki, a half-caste Ngati Porou from Waipiro Bay. He was educated at Waiomatatini Maori School, Te Aute College and Canterbury College (Canterbury University). He was a Member of Parliament for 38 years and the Minister of Maori Affairs for six of them. He was the third Maori to be knighted and is featured on the NZ $50 note. He died in 1950 at the age of 76.

What were Sir Apirana Ngata’s leadership attributes?

* Vision

* Understanding of followers and their needs

* Courage and resilience  
* Intelligence  

* Self-confidence

* Decisiveness

* Trustworthiness  

* Public speaking

* Capacity to motivate people

* Skill in dealing with people

* Eagerness to accept responsibility

What key events showed Sir Apirana Ngata's leadership ?

* He was one of the country’s most important people for over half a century

* He was the first Maori to complete a NZ university degree

* He dedicated his life’s work to reforming and improving the social and economical conditions for Maori

* He formed the Young Maori Party
* He was made part of the Cabinet and was put in charge of Maori councils

* He founded the Waiapu Farmers’ Co-operative Company – a company owned by Ngati Porou Farmers – and encouraged other iwi to follow and make their companies thrive

* He recruited Maori for war and pushed for a Maori Battalion in WWI and WWII

* He was the Minister of Maori Affairs for six years
* He was the Father of the House by the time he lost his seat in parliament – a title given to the longest serving MP

* He became the third Maori to be knighted in 1927

How did Sir Apirana Ngata's life influence others ?

Sir Apirana had a strong influence on the Pakeha population and their thoughts about Maori affairs. He contributed hugely to the revival of what was then thought to be a dying race - the Maori, and this influenced New Zealand today. He was a good speaker and his strong personality made him a successful fundraiser for community welfare. Not only was he a powerful advocate for Maori language, tikanga (traditions) and culture, but he also raised interest in Maori history. His vision was for equal opportunity for Maori in sports and education, but his best efforts were given to land settlement and development. He pushed his famous ‘Ahuwhenua’ policy – one which involved working the land hard to get maximum output from it.

How do others view him now ?

Now:
Sir Apirana Ngata is viewed today as one of the most influential Maori leaders of the 20th century. He was a scholar, author, farmer, churchman, businessman, politician, developer of Maori farming, builder of whare, father of the Maori Battalion, supporter of Maori sport, promoter of the Maori cultural revival, teacher, poet, pioneer of sound recording Maori music, promoter of Maori broadcasting, supporter of education and fund-raiser extraordinaire and New Zealanders definitely view him as all those things still today.


Then:
He was viewed by Maori as a hero, but a lot of Pakeha were suspicious of him. They didn't care much about Maori land development and constantly criticised him.

What conclusion can I make about Sir Apirana Ngata ?

Sir Apirana Ngata was a very inspiring person. His influence effected the whole of New Zealand, and his leadership is still felt. He only had one main goal in life – to revive the Maori race culturally and economically – and I think he achieved this in his life. He was definitely a leader for his people; he was a well educated politician and a gifted speaker. He has gone down in New Zealand history as an inspiration to Maori everywhere.