Submitted by admin on April 22, 2009 - 21:59
PANAPA, Wiremu Netena, C.B.E.
(1898– ).
Bishop of Aotearoa and Maori leader.
A new biography of Panapa, Wiremu Netana appears in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography on this site.
Wiremu Netena Panapa was born at Dargaville on 7 June 1898, son of Netana Panapa, and educated at St. Stephen's College, Parnell, Te Rau Theological College, Gisborne, and St. John's College, Auckland, where in 1921 he gained his licentiate in theology. Becoming a deacon in the same year, he continued in the service of the Church and the Maori mission till 1940. From 1941 to 1944 he was Chaplain to the Armed Forces, and on his return he became vicar of Ohinemutu till 1947, when he was transferred to the Taupo Maori district. High office was now offered to him, and in 1951 he was consecrated Bishop of Waiapu. He was made a C.B.E. in 1954.