Born: 1916 (Manutuke, Poverty Bay)
Died: 2008
Biography:
Heni Materoa Sunderland QSM JP (née Brown; 13 October 1916 15 July 2008), affectionately known as Nanny Heni, was a Māori kaumātua (community leader) in New Zealand. She dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights and played a significant role in establishing and representing the rights of her community.
Sunderland was born in Manutuke in Poverty Bay in 1916 to Erena Te Ahuahu Maynard and Eruera Brown. Due to the oppression faced by the Māori people during that time, much of their land had been taken away and an epidemic in 1913 had devastated their community. As a result, Sunderland grew up in difficult circumstances, living with squatters. Despite these challenges, she was fortunate to be brought up by her grandparents, who instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity.
From a young age, Sunderland was taught both Māori and English, becoming bilingual and able to navigate and understand the two different cultures. In 1955, she married James Jim Brown at Toko Toru Tapu Church, and they had a son named Michael. Sunderland regretted not being able to teach Michael the Māori language, as she believed that her ability to operate within two different cultures was a valuable asset.
Sunderland’s passion for equality and justice became evident when the local men declared that only males would be allowed to speak at the sacred place or marae in Manutuke due to the installation of a paepae. This new rule of inequality went against the beliefs and practices of generations past, and Sunderland refused to accept it. She continued to speak up and advocate for women’s rights, refusing to let their voices be silenced. Her determination and courage set an example for future generations and challenged traditional gender roles within her community.
In recognition of her exemplary community service, Sunderland was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in the 1991 New Year Honours. Her deep knowledge of Māori traditions and culture made her an invaluable resource for authors seeking to accurately portray their history and way of life. Sunderland’s contributions to preserving Māori culture and promoting equality did not go unnoticed, even beyond her lifetime.
Sunderland passed away in July 2008, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience. In 2009, she was posthumously awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Waikato, further solidifying her impact and recognition as a leader and champion for the rights of her community.
Awards:
– Queen’s Service Medal for community service (1991)
– Posthumous honorary doctorate by the University of Waikato (2009)