Hoani Retimana Waititi (12 April 1926 – 30 September 1965) was a notable New Zealand teacher, educationalist and community leader. Of MÃÂori descent, he identified with the Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui iwi. He worked as a teacher and in other areas of education. He died of cancer at the age of 39. Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland is named in his honour.
Waititi was born in Whangaparaoa near Cape Runaway, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, in 1926. His mother was KirimÃÂtao Heremia Kerei and his father was Kà «aha Waititi, a farmer. Both parents were from the Te WhÃÂnau-a-Kauaetangohia hapà « of Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui.
As a child, Waititi attended the Cape Runaway School, then St StephenâÂÂs School, where he received a scholarship to attend Te Aute College. When he was 17 he passed a extramural MÃÂori course through Victoria University College.
Waititi lied about his age to begin training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in February 1944. He transferred to the MÃÂori Battalion a year later, and served in Italy, before travelling to Japan with J Force. He was discharged in October 1946.
After the war, he trained as a teacher in 1947âÂÂ48. In 1949 he taught at Te Kaha MÃÂori District High School and at Nà «haka MÃÂori School in HawkeâÂÂs Bay. From 1949-1957 he primarily taught at St Stephen's, but also taught te reo MÃÂori at the Queen Victoria School for Maori Girls and Auckland Girls' Grammar School. He received a BA from the University of Auckland in 1955.
June Mariu is his niece, the daughter of his older brother Manihera. Rawiri Waititi is his great-nephew.