Mere Amohau was born at Ōhinemutu of a Ngāti Pikiao family, and had a life-long singing career. In the 1910s and 1920s she performed in local operas, in St Faith’s choir and in concert parties. After the Second World War she also taught and composed songs or waiata.

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Scottish-born Robina Cameron came to New Zealand in 1911, and in 1931 became district nurse at Rotorua. In 1937 she was instrumental in setting up Te Ropu o te Ora, a women’s health league, and was president for the rest of her life. From 1940 to 1955 Cameron lived and worked away from Rotorua, but on her return, and in retirement, she helped reinvigorate the league. In 1986 the Nurse Cameron memorial health centre was opened on Tūnohopū marae at Ōhinemutu.

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Ana Hato was of Ngāti Whakaue and Tūhourangi descent. When she was 16 she was invited to join the concert party of Rangitīaria Dennan (‘Guide Rangi’), and became a sought-after soloist. In Australia she made 14 records, including duets with her cousin Deane Waretini; thousands were sold. From 1933 she led her own concert party, organising performances to help Māori serving in the Second World War, and also singing on the radio.

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Eramiha Kapua, the son of well-known Ngāti Tarāwhai carver Neke Kapua, was himself one of the 20th century’s most eminent Māori carvers. He started working at the carving school at Ōhinemutu in 1930. He was a carver in the old tradition, but told his students not to be constrained by tapu (religious restriction). Eramiha worked on meeting houses throughout the North Island and passed on carving skills to a new generation.

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Epi Shalfoon was born in Ōpōtiki to a Te Whakatōhea mother and Syrian father. He showed an early interest in music and in 1924 set up his first band. He moved to Rotorua and in 1930 opened a music store. He travelled extensively with his band from his Rotorua base, but moved both band and family to Auckland in the mid-1930s.

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Tene Waitere was one of a number of Ngāti Tarāwhai carvers. Tene was trained by master carver Wero Tāroi and established his reputation by working on several new meeting houses around Rotorua and Taupō. He did carvings for the Geyser Hotel in Whakarewarewa, and for the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts. Of strict Ringatū faith, he carved Tiki, the Ringatū house at Ōhinemutu.

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