Faulkner, Ruawahine Irihapeti (?–1855)

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Faulkner, Ruawahine Irihapeti (?–1855)

Maori woman of mana and landowner. Name variations: Ruawahine, Puihi. Born Ruawahine, of Ngai Tukairangi hapu of Ngai Te Rangi; died Sept 24, 1855, at Tauranga, New Zealand; dau. of Tawaho and Parewhakarau; m. John Lees Faulkner (Yorkshire boatbuilder and trader), 1842; children: 13.

Took name of Irihapeti (Elizabeth) when she adopted Christianity; resided on her land at Otumoetai and established trading post with husband; represented important link to Maori in Tauranga district.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 1).

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