Margaret Matangi

Margaret Kahurangi Matangi (9 July 1911 – 2 August 1990) was a New Zealand netball player. She captained the New Zealand team in their first Test match, in 1938 against Australia.

Early life Born in New Plymouth on 9 July 1911, Matangi was the daughter of Hinehau Matangi (née Karena) and Tioro Matangi. Of Māori descent, she affiliated to Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, and Ngāti Mutunga. She was educated at New Plymouth Girls' High School where she excelled at sports, winning the senior athletics championship while in the third form and the three following years.

International In 1936, Matangi was first selected to tour Australia with a New Zealand national team the following season, but the tour did not proceed. In 1938, Matangi became the first New Zealand netball team captain, when a national side travelled to Australia and competed in the Australian interstate tournament in Melbourne. However, in an exhibition match played under New Zealand rules, the New Zealand team beat Victoria 19–5. and Tasmania 17–32, before overcoming New South Wales 21–18.

In the single Test match, the first played between New Zealand and Australia, in Melbourne on 20 August 1938, New Zealand were defeated 11–40. The match was played under Australian rules. Matangi's international career was cut short by World War II, with New Zealand not playing another Test until 1948.

Matangi died in Hāwera on 2 August 1990, and was buried in Hāwera Cemetery. In 2009, she was posthumously inducted into the Māori Sports Hall of Fame.