There are many past and present Māori leaders and Māori heroes whose achievements and special qualities make them stand out in both the Māori and Pakeha worlds.
This page contains sources to find Māori heroes and leaders as well as information about how they made their mark on their communities. You can also search Primo Library Search with the term "toa" and then in the right column refine your search by Subject / toa to get books on Māori leaders and heroes.
Here are some well-known Māori heroes and leaders but there are many more. You will find information about these and other Māori in the books and websites listed on this page.
Willie Apiata (1972 - ): Soldier.
Peter Buck (1877 - 1951): Health reformer, politician.
Lisa Carrington (1989 - ): Olympic athlete.
Whina Cooper (1895 - 1994): Community leader.
Hōne Heke (? - 1850 ): War leader.
Te Puea Herangi (1883 - 1952): Kingitanga leader.
Rua Kenana (1868/69? - 1937): Māori prophet.
Robert Mahuta (1939 - 2001): Politician.
Howard Morrison (1935 - 2009): Entertainer.
Kiri Te Kanawa (1944 - ): Opera singer.
Apirana Ngata (1874 - 1950): Politician.
Māui Pōmare (1876 - 1930): Health reformer, politician.
Dalvanius Prime (1948 - 2002): Entertainer.
Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana (1873–1939): Religious leader.
Apirana Taylor (1955 - ): Author.
Te Rauparaha (? - 1849): War leader.
Miraka Szaszy (1921 - 2001): Dedicated her life to te ao Māori, Māori women, humanity and social justice.
Inia Te Wiata (1915 - 1971): Opera singer.
Hone Tuwhare (1922 - 2008): Poet.
Te Whiti (? -1907): Teacher and leader of the Parihaka peaceful resistance to land confiscations
This list is largely supplied by National Library - Anyquestions at https://anyquestions.govt.nz/many_answers/maori-leaders-and-heroes
Waka Huia - 2015 - Cliff Whiting
