Minarapa Rangihatuake

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Minarapa Rangihatuake (?–1893) was a New Zealand Methodist missionary responsible for the first Wellington church. Of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngā Māhanga (Taranaki) iwi. He was active from about 1839 in Taranaki.[1]

Early life[edit]

Also known as Minarapa Te Atua-kē, was born in the early nineteenth century in Taranaki. He was of the Ngā Māhanga. In an attack against the Taranaki tribes, he was taken captive by Waikato.[2]

Missionary influence[edit]

The rise of missionary influence led the captives to liberation and those who adopted Christianity went to reside in mission stations. Minarapa ended up in Wesleyan mission at Mangungu, Hokianga. While there, he was appointed a lay preacher for which he received £1 and four white shirts as payment.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Roberts, John H. "Minarapa Rangihatuake". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  2. ^ a b H. Roberts, John (1990). "Rangihatuake, Minarapa". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.