Story: Biculturalism

Political leader Matiu Rata

Political leader Matiu Rata

Politician Matiu Rata (Ngāti Kurī, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Whātua) is seen here at a summit meeting with gang leaders in 1981. He was described by his former parliamentary colleague Geoffrey Palmer as the catalyst behind the modern Māori renaissance. As minister of Māori affairs, Rata set up the Waitangi Tribunal. Later he left the Labour Party to form Mana Motuhake, the first late-20th-century Māori political party.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Evening Post Collection (PAColl-0614)
Reference: 35mm-01430-35a

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Janine Hayward, 'Biculturalism - From bicultural to monocultural, and back', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/32141/political-leader-matiu-rata (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Janine Hayward, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 10 Jan 2023 with assistance from Janine Hayward