jan 1, 1900 - Sir Apirana Ngata (3 July 1874 – 14 July 1950)

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Considered one of the most influential leaders for Māori.   Apirana Ngata served parliament as Minister of Native Affairs from 1928 – 1934. His work was immense and was heavily involved in advocating for the preservation and protection of Māori Culture.

In his time he completed a number of significant works such as Nga Mōteatea ( a collection of Māori songs) and became influential in the advocacy of reo and the arts. This included waiata and haka often leading and participating with Māori at various celebrations.

He was involved with numerous whare whakairo builds through out the country and supported the Māori Arts and Crafts Act (1926) to preserve the culture.

This later was was changed to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts act in 1963 mandating the new Māori art School at Whakarewarewa to protect,promote and perpetuate Māori arts, crafts and culture.The first intake of carvers was in 1967 under the tutelage of revered carver Hone Ta Kāuru Taiapa.

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