Rangi Mawhete

Rangiputangatahi Mawhete (4 March 1880 – 24 July 1961), born as William Arthur Moffatt and commonly known as Rangi Mawhete, was a New Zealand land agent, interpreter and politician.

Early life Of Māori descent, he identified with the Muaūpoko and Rangitāne iwi. He was born in Tiakitahuna, Manawatu/Horowhenua, New Zealand on 4 March 1880. He was a grandson of the Rangitane chief Te Aweawe, and educated at Te Aute College.

Political career He unsuccessfully stood for Western Maori; in with an unknown political affiliation (of six candidates, he came fourth), in 1922 as an Independent, and in 1925 for Labour.

He was a member of the Legislative Council for two terms from 9 March 1936 to 8 March 1950.

In 1953, Mawhete was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. In the 1959 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the Māori people.

Death He died in Palmerston North on 24 July 1961 and was buried in Terrace End Cemetery.