Hoani Retimana Waititi

Hoani Retimana Waititi (12 April 1926 – 30 September 1965) was a notable New Zealand teacher, educationalist and community leader. Of Māori descent, he identified with the Te Whānau-ā-Apanui iwi. He worked as a teacher and in other areas of education. He died of cancer at the age of 39. Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland is named in his honour.

Personal life Waititi was born in Whangaparaoa near Cape Runaway, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, in 1926. His mother was Kirimātao Heremia Kerei and his father was Kūaha Waititi, a farmer. Both parents were from the Te Whānau-a-Kauaetangohia hapū of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. When he was 17 he passed a extramural Māori course through Victoria University College. He received a BA from the University of Auckland in 1955.