Ranginui Walker
Ranginui’s books (5)
FROM THE OXFORD COMPANION TO NEW ZEALAND LITERATURE
Walker, Ranginui (1932–2016 ), Whakatohea, associate professor of Maori studies at Auckland University (Te Wananga o Waipapa), became known to the broader public in the 1980s with his regular columns in NZ Listener and Metro, although he had published many academic papers before that.
The wide range of his interests makes his writing an invaluable source of information on Maori literature, as well as many other topics.
His book-length publications include Nga Tau Tohetohe (1987), a collection of his finest columns, and Ka Whawhai tonu Matou: Struggle without End (1990), an unusual book of Maori history, as well as more specialised works: The Political Development of the Maori People in New Zealand (1984), The Meaning of Biculturalism (1986), History of Maori Activism (1983), The Treaty of Waitangi (1983), Perceptions and Attitudes of the New Generation of Maoris to Pakeha Domination (1981), Liberating Maori from Educational Subjection (1991) and Nga Mamae o te Iwi Maori: Te Ripoata o te Hui i Turangawaewae (1987).
NW
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Nga Pepa a Ranginui: The Walker Papers was published in 1996.
He Tipua: The Life and Times of Sir Apirana Ngata was shortlisted for the 2002 Montana New Zealand Book Awards.
Ka Whawhai Tonu Matou: Struggle Without End (Revised Edition) was published by Penguin in 2004. This revised edition contains two new chapters (over 100 pages) and includes the last decade and a half, bringing us up to 2004.
Tohunga Whakairo: Paki Harrison: The Story of a Master Carver was published by Penguin in 2008. This major biography by Ranginui Walker traces Paki Harrison's life and work, from his privileged upbringing in the Ngāti Porou household of his grandmother, to where he was singled out for special training. Tohunga Whakairo: Paki Harrison won the 2009 Nga Kupu Ora Book Award for Biography.
Ranginui Walker received the 2009 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Non-Fiction, worth $60,000, in recognition of contribution to New Zealand literature.
Ranginui Walker passed away 29 February 2016.
FROM WIKIPEDIA (September 2023)
In the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours, Walker was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori. When the New Zealand government restored titular honours in 2009, he declined redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Following Walker's death in 2016, Prime Minister John Key said Walker was "not only an insightful commentator on important historical and contemporary issues but was a tireless and passionate advocate for Māori".
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark tweeted "Greatly saddened by news of death of Ranginui Walker, one of New Zealand's finest people; eminent academic & author."
