Rangimahora Reihana-Mete (née Leonard; 25 January 1899 â 29 December 1993) was a New Zealand MÃÂori tohunga raranga (master weaver) and textile artist. She was affiliated with the NgÃÂti Raukawa iwi. Her artworks are held in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa). In 1974 she was awarded the British Empire Medal and in 1992 the Order for Meritorious Service from Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa.
Reihana-Mete was born on 25 January 1899 to noted weaver Ranginui Parewahawaha Leonard in Maungatautari. She moved to Foxton in 1920 and continued to live there for the remainder of her life. During her lifetime Reihana-Mete travelled extensively in New Zealand passing on her traditional skills and knowledge in weaving and other MÃÂori crafts. She also served as a judge for events organised by the MÃÂori Women's Welfare League. She died on 29 December 1993, and is buried in Himatangi.
A cloak made by Reihana-Mete was presented to the British High Commissioner George Fergusson by the NgÃÂti Raukawa iwi. Te Papa also holds a collection of Reihana-Mete's work. In 1993 works by Reihana-Mete formed part of the exhibition NgÃÂ puna roimata o Te Arawa held at Te Papa that also featured works by Te Hikapuhi Wiremu Poihipi and MÃÂkereti Papakura. In 2006 a retrospective of her life and work was held in Foxton. This exhibition inspired the formation of the Te Taitoa MÃÂori o Te Awahou Trust which has the mission of sharing NgÃÂti Raukawa ki te Tonga culture.
Reihana-Mete was married twice. Her first husband was Pitihera Reihana who died in 1954. Her second husband was Whitu Mete. Her granddaughter Pip Devonshire is also a noted weaver.
In the 1974 New Year Honours, Reihana-Mete was awarded the British Empire Medal, for services to MÃÂori culture. In 1992, Te Pihopatanga o Aotearoa awarded Reihana-Mete the Order for Meritorious Service for her fundraising work including creating items for sale at church shop days. A mural depicting Reihana-Mete weaving was created by Mike Jull and Michael Barclay on the main street of Foxton next to the Westpac Bank.