Mabel Mangakāhia

Mabel (Mepara) Te Aowhaitini Mangakahia

Mabel Mangakāhia was a prominent figure in New Zealand's history, particularly noted for her contributions to the women's suffrage movement and the advancement of Māori rights. Born into a notable Māori family, her activism and leadership left a lasting impact on the socio-political landscape of New Zealand.

Early Life

Mabel Mangakāhia was born into the influential Mangakāhia family, part of the Waikato tribe (iwi), which played a significant role in the Kingitanga movement—a political movement among Māori tribes aimed at unifying them under a single king to resist land confiscation and promote sovereignty. Her upbringing in a politically active environment deeply influenced her future endeavors in activism and leadership.

Activism and Suffrage Movement

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mabel Mangakāhia became actively involved in the women's suffrage movement in New Zealand. She is particularly remembered for her address to the Te Kotahitanga—the Māori Parliament, in 1893. Mangakāhia's speech advocated for two significant changes: the right for women to vote in the Te Kotahitanga elections and the right for women to stand as members of the Māori Parliament. Her advocacy was groundbreaking, not only in the context of women's rights within Māori society but also in the broader New Zealand suffrage movement, which led to New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893.

Contribution to Māori Rights

Beyond her involvement in the suffrage movement, Mabel Mangakāhia's contributions to the advancement of Māori rights were significant. She was deeply involved in land rights issues, working to protect Māori land from further confiscation and to promote the economic prosperity of her people. Her efforts were part of a larger movement among Māori to assert sovereignty and protect their rights and culture in the face of colonization and assimilation pressures.

Legacy

Mabel Mangakāhia's legacy is celebrated in New Zealand for her pioneering role in both the women's suffrage movement and the fight for Māori rights. Her work paved the way for future generations of women and indigenous activists in New Zealand and around the world. Today, she is remembered as a key figure in New Zealand's history, embodying the spirit of leadership, activism, and commitment to equality and justice.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in New Zealand
• Kingitanga
• Te Kotahitanga
• Māori land rights