TE RANGI HIROA (PETER BUCK)

C.1877-1951

Descended from both Māori and Pākehā ancestry, Peter Buck was a well-respected doctor who saw a chance to do good for his people. Appointed the medical officer to the Māori in 1905, he soon moved into politics and spoke openly defending Māori rights. At the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 he worked to gain a contingent of Māori volunteers and went with them as medical officer. Following the war, he became increasingly interested in anthropology and was wellknown on the lecture circuit.