Independent, determined and capable, she symbolised a number of struggles: for survival and reconstruction among an impoverished people made helpless through land confiscations; and for recognition of the Rātana faith among the leadership and people of the King movement. She exemplified, also, the strong leadership qualities shown by many women of the Waikato kāhui ariki.
Rangitīaria Dennan, better known as Guide Rangi, achieved wide recognition as a cultural ambassador. With charm, insight and wit she imparted the essentials of Māori tradition to the tourists she guided around the thermal attractions at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.
Reremoana could move comfortably between Māori and Pākehā worlds, creating lasting friendships and associations. She gave freely of her time, helped those who were less fortunate, and was a gracious and generous host.
Elizabeth Evatt is an eminent Australian reformist lawyer and jurist. A leading trailblazer, her support of women’s civil and human rights has left Australia with a significant and lasting legacy. Evatt became the first Chief Judge of the Family Court of Australia, the first female judge of an Australian federal court, the first female Member of the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and the first Australian to be elected to the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Ngāti Kahungunu woman of mana
Tūhourangi woman of mana, guide, ethnographer
Ngāti Porou woman of mana
Mira Szászy emerged from a humble upbringing to become one of the greatest Māori leaders and proponents of mana wāhine in the twentieth century. Throughout her life, Mira pushed for education, health and social reforms, and helped shape twentieth-century cultural and gender politics and forge new pathways for Māori women. She dedicated her life to te ao Māori, Māori women, and upholding the principles of humanity, social justice and equality.
Hertha Ayrton was an engineer and mathematician. She was awarded the Royal Society’s Hughes Medal, and is well known as a suffragette.
Dorothea Beale studied at Queen’s College, London where she became the first female mathematics tutor. She became Principal of Cheltenham Ladies’ College and a founder of St Hilda’s College, Oxford.