Urbanisation
In the early 20th century Rangitāne turned to farming, dairying, and some horticulture. But the economic downturn in the depression of the 1930s meant that small-time farmers were unable to maintain the value of their property. They either sold land for grossly deflated prices or leased it to neighbours, usually Pākehā farmers. Rangitāne, like other tribes, entered the labour force as manual workers on other people’s farms, in freezing works, on the railways, or in public works schemes. The move to towns and cities occurred quite rapidly, and although marae were maintained in small villages, increasingly the population lived elsewhere.
New leaders
A new generation of leaders ensured the tribe’s survival through their readiness to embrace new economic systems, technology and alliances. Wiremu Kīngi Te Aweawe, John Mason Durie, Tūiti Makitānara and Rangiputangatahi Māwhete were among those who became involved in local and national politics, and encouraged Rangitāne to become entrepreneurial during and after the depression years. Adelaide Poananga, who had lived in the USA for some years, provided leadership for uniting Rangitāne people in urban areas. She was also instrumental in establishing the Māori Battalion Hall in Palmerston North.
In the second half of the 20th century, contributions by Rangitāne to Māori and to the nation were also made by such exceptional people as Tipi Rōpiha (public servant), Rangi Ruru Karaitiana (musician), Rina Moore (doctor), Manahi Nītama Paewai (rugby player and doctor), Taylor Mihaere (Palmerston North city councillor), Brian Poananga (military leader and diplomat), Barbara Devonshire (Māori welfare officer), Inia Te Rangi (chair of Te Mauri o Rangitaane, the council of elders) and Rangi Fitzgerald (member, Rangitaane Māori Committee).
Trailblazing families
Tipi Rōpiha was the first Māori to lead a government department, as under-secretary for Māori Affairs from 1948 to 1957. His daughter, Rina Moore, was the first Māori woman to graduate as a medical doctor, in 1949.
Lui Paewai was a member of the 1924 ‘Invincible’ All Blacks. His nephew Manahi Paewai played rugby for the New Zealand Māoris in 1950–51 and was also a doctor.
Eddie Taihākurei Durie, grandson of John Mason Durie, was the first Māori to be appointed a judge of the Māori Land Court in 1974, and of the High Court in 1998.
The 21st century
By 2000, Rangitāne had achieved a great deal: they had survived migration from Hawaiki; built settlements in new territories; and moderated the effects of tribal invasion, colonisation and urbanisation. Te Rūnanganui-o-Rangitāne, a tribal governing body, was formed in 1988.
Although Rangitāne’s landholdings are greatly diminished and most of its people live away from traditional homelands, a strong tribal identity remains. Rangitāne have a continuing commitment to old values and tribal heritage, and a willingness to confront new circumstances and innovations. As protagonists for Māori language and media, health and education, fishing, economic growth, marae development and environmental protection, Rangitāne have demonstrated a measure of self-determination and the capacity for ongoing development.
Membership and marae
The tribe’s strength is reflected in the number of marae around the country which have a Rangitāne meeting house and observe the tribe’s customs. They are Ōmaka (in Blenheim); Mākirikiri, Kaitoki, and Whiti te Rā (all near Dannevirke); Te Ore Ore (near Masterton); Tūturu Pūmau (Palmerston North); and Te Rangimārie (Rangiotū, Manawatū).
Some meeting houses, such as Te Rangimārie, have been used since the 19th century. Others, such as Tūturu Pūmau, were opened in the 21st century. Together, the old and new marae can be seen as symbols of continuity and change.
Treaty settlements
On 4 December 2010, Rangitāne o Wairau settled its historical treaty claims with the Crown. The settlement included financial and commercial redress valued at about $25.4 million, and the return of culturally significant sites at Wairau Bar, Rārangi, Tuamatene Marae and Picton.
On 14 November 2015, Rangitāne o Manawatū settled its historical claims. The settlement included financial and commercial redress worth $13.5 million, and cultural redress including establishment of the Manawatu River Advisory Board and Crown acknowledgement of Rangitāne o Manawatū’s special connection to Linton Army Camp and Manawatu Prison.
On 6 August 2016 Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua settled their historical claims. The settlement included financial redress of approximately $32.5 million, and cultural redress including the vesting and gifting back to the Crown of Pūkaha/Mount Bruce. The geographic name ‘Rimutaka Range’ was changed to ‘Remutaka Range’.
