Merimeri Penfold facts for kids

Merimeri Penfold (born May 26, 1920 – died April 1, 2014) was an important Māori educator from New Zealand. She is known for being one of the first Māori women to teach the Māori language at a university in New Zealand. She helped many people learn about Māori culture and language.

Merimeri Penfold's Life and Learning

Merimeri Penfold was born in 1920 in a place called Te Hāpua. Her parents were Te Mutunga Rapata Hoterene and Maro Heteraka. She belonged to the Ngāti Kurī iwi, which is a Māori tribe or large family group.

She went to school at Queen Victoria School and Auckland Girls' Grammar School. After finishing her studies, she became a teacher. She taught at different schools across the North Island of New Zealand. Later, she went back to university to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Teaching the Māori Language

For more than 30 years, Merimeri Penfold taught the Māori language at the University of Auckland. Many believe she was the first Māori woman to teach her language at a university in New Zealand. Her work helped keep the Māori language alive and strong.

She also helped with important books. In 2000, her translations of nine of Shakespeare's famous poems (called sonnets) into Māori were published. This book was titled Nga Waiata Aroha a Hekepia. She was also part of the team that worked on the seventh edition of Williams' Dictionary of the Maori Language, which came out in 1971. This dictionary is a very important tool for learning Māori.

Helping Her Community

Merimeri Penfold was involved in many groups that helped Māori education and culture. She was on the Māori Education Foundation. She also helped the University of Auckland set up its marae (a special meeting place for Māori culture).

From 1989 to 1991, she was an executive member of the Broadcasting Commission. This group helps decide what is shown on TV and radio. She also worked as a Human Rights Commissioner from 2002 to 2007. In this role, she helped protect people's rights.

Awards and Special Honors

Merimeri Penfold received many awards for her hard work and dedication. In 1999, the University of Auckland gave her an honorary Doctorate of Literature. This is a very special degree that honors her achievements.

In 2001, she was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is a high honor given for great service to New Zealand, especially for her work with Māori people. In 2008, she received the Te Tohu Aroha mō Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi award. This award recognized her amazing contribution to te reo Māori, the Māori language.