Te RangikÃÂheke (ca. 1815-1896), also known as Wiremu Maihi (William Marsh) by his baptismal name or Wë Maihi Te RangikÃÂheke was a New Zealand MÃÂori tribal leader, and a writer, speaker, politician and, for many years, an employee of the early New Zealand government. He descended from the iwi (tribe) of NgÃÂti Rangiwewehi from Awahou on the northern shores of Lake Rotorua in New Zealand. Born around 1815 in the Bay of Plenty region, he played a crucial role in the preservation and documentation of MÃÂori oral traditions and history.
Little is known about Te RangikÃÂheke's early life and education in MÃÂori lore and tradition, but in 1835, Thomas and Anne Chapman set up a Church Missionary Society mission at Te Koutu in Rotorua where Te RangikÃÂheke learnt to read and write in English. These would become some of the most important skills in his life.
Te RangikÃÂheke became a pivotal figure in recording MÃÂori lore, traditions, and historical narratives. His collaboration with Sir George Grey, the Governor of New Zealand, was particularly significant. Between 1849 and 1854, Te RangikÃÂheke worked closely with Grey, who had a keen interest in MÃÂori culture and history. During this period, Te RangikÃÂheke wrote numerous manuscripts that provided detailed accounts of MÃÂori mythology, customs, and social structures. Te RangikÃÂheke authored over 800 pages of MÃÂori manuscripts, covering language, genealogies, legends, traditions, contemporary history, political commentary, customs, proverbs, songs, literary critique, and autobiography. His manuscripts provided most of the prose for the appendices in Sir George GreyâÂÂs works: Ko Nga Moteatea me Nga Hakirara Maori (1853), Ko Nga Mahinga a Nga Tupuna Maori (1854), and its translation, Polynesian Mythology (1855). Consequently, Te RangikÃÂheke's writings form a significant part of the earliest records of MÃÂori history and culture. Te RangikÃÂheke made his first visits to Auckland, the capital, in 1842 and 1843, recorded by Lady Martin, the wife of the then Chief Justice, on whom he called.
Te RangikÃÂheke was married at least three times. His first wife, Mere Pinepire of NgÃÂti Pikiao, a tribe from Lake Rotoiti, bore him three children.Their son, Hataraka, was killed fighting for the government in the New Zealand wars in 1869, and his two sons later died at boarding school. Te RangikÃÂhekeâÂÂs daughters were Hiria HauÃÂ, who had four children, and NgÃÂrongo Pinepire. Letters Te RangikÃÂheke wrote to Grey on 13 May and 13 June 1851 indicate that Mere Pinepire was with him and their children during his work with Grey. Te RangikÃÂheke also married Tërangi Repora, who had previously been Hataraka's wife.
Te RangikÃÂheke died in 1896, leaving behind a legacy of cultural preservation and advocacy. His funeral was unusually large. Archdeacon W. L. Williams delivered an address in MÃÂori, and afterwards, the body was placed in a boat and taken to à Ârangi-kÃÂhu height, about three miles away, for burial. Several newspapers published notices and obituaries highlighting his collaboration with Grey in compiling MÃÂori traditions, his prominence in political, social, and literary spheres, his connections with governors, politicians, and civil servants, and his exceptional oratory skills. He was celebrated as a multifaceted and truly great man. His contributions to the documentation of MÃÂori traditions have been recognized as instrumental in the survival and revival of MÃÂori culture. Today, scholars and descendants alike continue to study and celebrate his work, ensuring that the rich heritage of the MÃÂori people remains vibrant and accessible. Te RangikÃÂheke produced the earliest literature on MÃÂori leadership, Te Tikanga o TÃÂnei Mea te Rangatiratanga o te Tangata MÃÂori (1850). This helped to inform the development of contemporary literature on MÃÂori leadership like Te Kai a te Rangatira â Leadership from the MÃÂori world (2020).