Meri Te Tai was born in Hokianga. She married Hamiora Mangakahia who was a key figure in Paremata Māori, the Māori parliament up till 1898. In May 1893, Meri presented a motion before this parliament that would enable women to have voting rights and be eligible to stand as candidates for parliament. Her biography has been written by Charlotte Macdonald with translation by Charles Royal in The Book of New Zealand Women: Ko Kui Ma Te Kaupapa.
Biographical sources
- MacDonald, Charlotte, Penfold, Merimeri and Williams, Bridget. The Book of New Zealand Women: Ko Kui Ma Te Kauapapa. Wellington, N.Z.: Bridget Williams, 1991. 413-415.
Other
- Paremata Māori O Nui Tireni, Proceedings of the Māori Parliament, May 1893. Presented by Meri Mangakahia. q499M Alexander Turnbull Library. Rpt. in The Book of New Zealand Women: Ko Kui Ma Te Kaupapa. Charlotte MacDonald, Merimeri Penfold and Bridget Williams. Wellington, N.Z.: Bridget Williams, 1991. Original Māori version: 414. English translation: 413.