Rima Mina-rapa

Te Ao Hou, December 1967, Page 2

Rima Mina-rapa Several hundred Maoris gathered at Maruata (near Pehiaweri) to pay their last respects to the late Mr Rima Parata Mina-rapa who died in August, aged 93. He belonged to the Ngapuhi sub-tribe Ngati-hau. Mr Parata Mina-rapa was a paramount chief of the Ngati-hau and spent most of his life at Maruata. He was loved and respected by both Maori and Pakeha. He was well known, too, as an expert builder of stone fences, many of which can be seen today still standing on farms at Maungatapere, Ngararatunua and Maruata. He was also a well-known bushman and at one time was the overseer of a team of workers who gave their services free to clean bush from land for occupation by Maori farmers from Pataua, Tahere and Waiomio. As a foundation member of the Pehiaweri Maori Anglican Church he was known for his deep spiritual convictions and devotion. Mr Parata Mina-rapa is survived by his wife Te Huihuianga, seven daughters, four sons and many grandchildren.