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Hikapuhi

1871 – 1934

New Zealand Māori weaver

WeaverHealer
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About Hikapuhi

Lived 1871 – 1934 (aged 62–63). Hikapuhi was a New Zealand weaver and healer.

Te Hikapuhi Wiremu Poihipi, known as Hikapuhi, (died 6 January 1934) was a New Zealand Māori healer who came to prominence in 1905. She was regarded by European and Māori authorities of her time as a nuisance, frequently prescribing patients with brandy, but for many who sought her help, she was their only provider of medical care.

She was also an accomplished weaver and examples of her weaving were acquired by the Colonial Museum (now Te Papa) to demonstrate patterns of . The year of her birth is recorded by Te Papa as 1850, Hikapuhi's medical practices were scrutinised by government officials under the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 however she continued to provide health care.

She was also an accomplished weaver and practiced tā moko (facial tattooing). In 1914 Augustus Hamilton, the director of the Colonial Museum, purchased from her two samplers of weaving patterns specially made for display in the museum. The samplers feature ten different patterns of weaving, typical of the patterns used in kete (baskets).

Hikapuhi died in 1931, and was buried at Te Wharetāinga Moko, near Lake Rotoiti.

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Important facts

Born
1871, Rotorua
Birth century
Occupation
Weaver, healer
Nationality
Also known as
Te Hikapuhi Wiremu Poihipi

People in Hikapuhi's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Hikapuhi's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hikapuhi?

New Zealand Māori weaver

When was Hikapuhi born?

Hikapuhi was born in 1871 in Rotorua.

When did Hikapuhi die?

Hikapuhi died on 6 January 1934.

What was Hikapuhi's occupation?

Hikapuhi was a weaver and healer.

What nationality was Hikapuhi?

Hikapuhi was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Hikapuhi

· Wikidata: Q5760336

· DBpedia: Hikapuhi

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hikapuhi. https://biography.guide/hikapuhi/

MLA: "Hikapuhi." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hikapuhi/.

Chicago: "Hikapuhi." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hikapuhi/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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